The latest major musical biopic to grace Hollywood has finally set a release date, as Lionsgate Films has announced thatMichael,the upcoming film aboutMichael Jackson,will go moonwalking into theaters on June 07, 2025. The film,directed byAntoine Fuqua,will star Jackson’s nephewJaafar Jacksonin the title role, chronicling the life of the iconic pop star.
Lionsgate is slottingMichaelinto the release date previously held by Universal Pictures’The Exorcist: Deciever.However, directorDavid Gordon Greenrecently dropped outof the film, and Universal, which owns the international distribution rights toMichael,will use that date to release the Jackson biopic overseas instead. The plot points ofMichaelremain mostly in the dark, but both Lionsgate and Fuqua have said that the project will follow every aspect of the troubled singer’s life.
“Michaelwill bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayalof the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances,” according to a synopsis from Lionsgate. “As never before,audiences will experience an inside lookinto one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
‘Michael’ Will Address the Controversial Aspects of the Singer’s Life
Michael Jackson has become just as well known for his music as he was for his troubled background, and later in life, an array of sexual abuse allegations against children. Fuqua, known for helming theEqualizerseries,The Magnificent SevenandEmancipation,has said that the film will not shy away from some of the more controverisal aspects of Jackson’s life.
The film will stick to “the facts as I know it,” Fuqua toldColliderin an interview. The director added that he hopes the film provides “a better insight on Michael [Jackson] as an artist, as a human being — the good, bad, and the ugly — and let people decide for themselves on what they feel about Michael Jackson.” One hint as to what the film may entail could come fromGraham King,one of the producers onMichael,who also worked as a producer onBohemian Rhapsody,the 2018 biopic of rock band Queen. In a statement accompanying the release date, King said he was “excited for the film to show audiences around the world a perspective of Michael that they’ve never seen.”
Fuqua directedMichaelfrom a script byJohn Logan, known for penning the screenplays toGladiatorandThe Aviator. The film is produced by King through his GK Films banner alongsideJohn McClainandJohn Branca,the co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate.
Michaelwill be released worldwide on June 10, 2025. Collider’s interview with Fuqua can be seen below:
