Michael Jackson Biopic Gets Delayed Until Fall 2025

The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has been delayed by six months.

Initially slated for an April 2025 release, Lionsgate announced on Tuesday (Nov. 5) that Michael will now premiere in theaters on Oct. 3, 2025.

The film stars Jaafar Jackson in the titular role with Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, Kendrick Sampson, Kat Graham, and more rounding out the cast.

“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said producer Graham King. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”

King also noted to Variety, “There are elements of drama, intrigue, and emotional states [in the film],” and he described it as “an inside look at the most prolific artist who ever lived.”

He added, “We’ll get into all of it. Behind the unrelenting scrutiny and the accusations and the spotlight, he was simply a man — a man with a very complicated life.”

Fuqua also spoke on the film in a statement.

“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am. For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson,” said the Training Day director. “I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work—the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”

The film is set to include over 30 songs and a plethora of performances to match its lengthy run time. Check out some first look images above of Jaafar as his uncle.