Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Faces Critical Divide Over Portrayal of Legacy

As Antoine Fuqua’s long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic Michael prepares for theatrical release, critics are sharply divided over its handling of the pop icon’s complex legacy. The film, which stars Jaafar Jackson in the title role and is set to debut in theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026, has ignited debate for its decision to focus on Jackson’s early career while largely omitting the allegations of child sexual abuse that defined later chapters of his life.

Fuqua described the project as a “spiritual journey,” emphasizing Jackson’s artistic influence and his refusal to be confined by racial expectations in the music industry. “Michael was a big influence on my career as a director, seeing how he refused to get put in a box as just a Black artist only,” Fuqua said in a Lionsgate-released video. He added that Jackson’s life was “about giving to people this joy of his voice,” framing the film as a celebration of the performer’s early triumphs.

The biopic concludes with Jackson’s 1988 Bad World Tour concert in London—years before the first allegations surfaced—and includes an epilogue card stating, “His story continues.” This narrative choice has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters appreciate the film’s focus on Jackson’s musical genius and familial relationships, particularly through performances by Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. Critics, however, argue that the omission of the abuse allegations results in a sanitized portrayal that fails to grapple with the full scope of Jackson’s legacy.

Some reviewers have labeled the film hagiographic, contending that it avoids difficult truths in favor of an uplifting, family-sanctioned narrative. Others acknowledge its limitations but commend its emotional resonance and attention to Jackson’s artistry during his peak years. The debate reflects broader cultural tensions about how to remember artists whose personal lives are marred by serious accusations.

With Lionsgate handling domestic distribution and Universal managing the global release, Michael arrives amid renewed scrutiny of how Hollywood navigates the legacies of controversial cultural figures. Whether the film will be remembered as a heartfelt tribute or a missed opportunity for reckoning remains a point of contention among audiences and critics alike.