January 01 : Welcome to the Year of Michael : “As the clock struck midnight in parts of the world and while New Year’s Eve celebrations were still echoing elsewhere, Universal Pictures and Lionsgate quietly ignited something electric. A short teaser appeared online with a bold, confident message: “Welcome to the year of Michael.” Universal, Lionsgate, GK Films, Prince & Jaafar share the new teaser on their social medias.
“Adding to the excitement, Japan received something extra. Alongside the teaser, a new poster surfaced showing Jaafar Jackson, who portrays his uncle in the film, striking Michael’s iconic feet point on a massive stadium stage. The image is striking, confident, and instantly recognizable to any longtime fan.”
January 03 : MJ Estate shares the new biopic teaser : “How excited are you for April? #MichaelMovie”
January 05 : Rumour: A New MICHAEL Biopic Trailer to Play During the Super Bowl : “Rumors are heating up across social media this morning that the new official trailer for the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, MICHAEL, could debut during Super Bowl LIX on February 8. The speculation began with The Beyond Reporter on X (formerly Twitter), and fans have since taken to their own social platforms to share the exciting possibility.”
January 13 : Permanent MICHAEL Display Installed at New Shanghai Hoyts Cinema : “A brand-new tribute to Michael Jackson has appeared in China. The newly opened Hoyts Cinema at Shanghai’s Qianwan Incity MEGA has unveiled a dedicated Michael Movie display, celebrating the enduring legacy of the King of Pop on the big screen.”
January 23 : Universal Germany shares a poster of Michael Movie : “Michael Global Fan Celebration. Berlin, Germany. April 10. Details to follow.”
Berlin to Kick Off Michael Premiere with Major Fan Celebration : “Berlin is preparing for a major moment this spring as the international premiere of the Michael biopic, the film celebrating the life of Michael Jackson, will take place in the German capital on April 10, 2026. But this will be far more than a traditional red-carpet screening. The premiere is set to launch several days of fan events and celebrations connected to the film. Producer Graham King revealed the news during the Munich Film Week, with distributor Universal Pictures confirming that actors and members of the filmmaking team are expected to attend the Berlin event. The city will serve as the starting point for a global spotlight moment around the film.”
Juliano Krue Valdi sits down with Jessica Vilchis from NBC California Live. He talks about his new animated film Arco & how excited he is to be playing young Michael Jackson & says that Jaafar had a big impact on him.
January 24 : Universal and Lionsgate share a new short teaser for Michael movie : “In 3 months: Experience the legend, the legacy, the life. MICHAEL – in theaters and IMAX April 24th. #MichaelMovie”. Prince & Jaafar share the new teaser.
January 27 : Universal France and UK share the same visual to promote the event in Berlin on April 10.
February 01 : Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release a brand new movie poster of Michael Movie shared by Jaafar and Prince. A few hours later, they share a new teaser to announce that the official trailer for Michael will be released tomorrow!
The same teaser is broadcasted during the Grammy Awaards.
February 02 : Lionsgate Teases Official MICHAEL Trailer Drop Today!
Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release the trailer for Michael movie. They also release a 4th poster.
‘Michael’ Trailer: Michael Jackson Biopic Chronicles Rise From Child Star to King of Pop (Variety) : “The King of Pop is about to reclaim his throne on the big screen. Lionsgate has released a new trailer for “Michael,” its highly anticipated biopic tracing Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his ascent as a global superstar. The film aims to capture both the spectacle and the contradictions of the artist who came to be known as the King of Pop.
Colman Domingo Says Joe Jackson Transformation For “Michael” Biopic Took Nearly 3 Hours
February 05 : Michael Trailer Makes History: Lionsgate Confirms Record-Breaking Views : “According to Lionsgate, the trailer didn’t just outperform every other music biopic, it shattered internal studio records as well. Aggregating views across all major platforms, the trailer is now the most-viewed in Lionsgate’s history and ranks among the most-watched film trailers of the past decade overall. Executives described the numbers simply as “extraordinary” (…).Adding to the excitement, Lionsgate also confirmed that the first test screenings for the film are now underway and the early feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Studio executives noted that reactions have been “extraordinarily positive” across multiple regions, signaling strong international appeal. As one executive put it, “Everything is in a very strong place. The enthusiasm from everywhere… it feels like everything is aligning in an extraordinary way,”
February 07 : Universal Pictures Begins Promotion for Michael with Exclusive Collector Item in China : “Universal Pictures and Lionsgate have officially kicked off the promotional campaign for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic celebrating the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. As with most major film productions, early promotional efforts include sending press kits, gifts, and exclusive materials to members of the media, film critics, and influencers to generate excitement ahead of the movie’s release. These promotional packages often contain behind-the-scenes information, visuals, and sometimes unique collectibles tied to the films being promoted.In China, Universal Pictures has taken things a step further. Members of the press recently received a special promotional box featuring information on several upcoming Universal releases, including Michael. What immediately caught the attention of fans and collectors, however, was a standout item included in the box: a Michael-branded Bluetooth speaker”.
February 08 : Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release a new 15 seconds teaser for Michael movie : “In 75 days, experience the life of a legend. MICHAEL – in theaters and IMAX April 24. #MichaelMovie”
Febtuary 10 : Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release a two minutes long behind-the-scenes look at the making of ‘Michael’ : “Becoming a global icon. Go behind the scenes of MICHAEL – in theaters and IMAX April 24. #MichaelMovie”
February 14 : Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release a new poster for Michael movie : “With love. MICHAEL – in theaters and IMAX April 24. #MichaelMovie”
During the broadcast of the NBA All-Star Game, a brand-new TV spot for the biopic is revealed.
February 23 : Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release a new behind the scene video for Michael movie : “Setting the stage with MICHAEL director Antoine Fuqua. Only in theaters and IMAX April 24. #MichaelMovie”. Later that day, they release a mystery teaser : “The world still marches to his beat. MICHAEL Celebrates: Legacy | Art | Culture – TOMORROW.”
‘Michael’: Director Antoine Fuqua Explains ‘Spiritual Journey’ of Making King of Pop Biopic
February 24 : Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release two new videos for Michael movie : “Celebrating legacy, artistry, and culture: Florida A&M University’s The Marching “100.” Who’s next? #MichaelLegacy #MichaelMovie”. Later that day : “See you in two months. MICHAEL – in theaters and IMAX April 24th. #MichaelMovie”
February 25 : Michael Movie official accounts share a 2nd video : “Celebrating legacy, artistry, and culture: Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South.Who’s next? #MichaelLegacy #MichaelMovie”
February 26 : On Instagram, Colman Domingo confirms the press tour for #MichaelMovie begins today! A journalist named Dominique B. Fluker reveals that she just interviewed Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Jaafar Jackson, Antoine Fuqua and Graham King for ForbesWomen.
Michael Movie official accounts share a 3rd video : “Celebrating legacy, artistry, and culture: Southern University’s Human Jukebox. Now, it’s your turn to join. Create a performance video with your community and share it using the hashtags #MichaelLegacy #MichaelMovie.”
February 28 : Michael’ trailer played after Colman Domingo Honored at NAACP Image Awards
March 02 : “Michael” on the cover of French Magazine : “French cinema’s leading trade publication, Le Film Français, has just sent a strong signal to the industry: its end-of-February issue features Michael on the cover.”
March 04 : Lionsgate CFO Appears to Confirm Michael Sequel for Fiscal 2028 : “During a session at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Jim Barge of Lionsgate may have inadvertently confirmed that a sequel to the upcoming Michael is already part of the studio’s long-term plans. While discussing Lionsgate’s future theatrical slate and franchise strategy, Barge referenced the Michael Jackson biopic multiple times and notably mentioned “Michael 2” on three separate occasions. The remarks suggested that the studio is already planning a follow-up installment targeting release in fiscal 2028.”
March 05 : Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release a new short teaser for Michael Movie : “50 DAYS. MICHAEL – in theaters and IMAX April 24. #MichaelMovie”
“Michael” Movie Poster & Japanese Trailer Unveiled, Advance Tickets Arrive April 3.
March 09 : Sparkling “Michael” Biopic Cup Reportedly Coming to Spanish Cinemas
MTV Teams Up with Lionsgate for “Michael”: An MTV News Special Report Coming Soon
Lionsgate, Universal, GK Films and the Michael Jackson Estate release a new teaser for Michael Movie : “US & Canada early access tickets on sale March 11 @ 6:00 AM PST. Be the first to see MICHAEL – early access tickets on sale TOMORROW. #MichaelMovie”. MTV also shares the news.
Michael Jackson Biopic “Michael” Approved for Theatrical Release in China
Jackson family fireworks erupt at private “Michael” movie screening as Janet Jackson trashes biopic and Jermaine fires back : The Jackson family gathered quietly in Los Angeles this week for what insiders expected would be a triumphant moment. More than 60 members of the Jackson clan packed into the private showing of the Lionsgate film, which hits theaters worldwide April 24 and stars Jermaine Jackson’s son, Jaafar Jackson, portraying his legendary uncle.When the lights came up, Janet Jackson’s boyfriend reportedly jumped to his feet and declared loudly, “Thanks for the movie.”Another insider said Rebbie Jackson appeared thrilled by what she had just seen. “Rebbie loved it,” the source said. “She thought it captured Michael’s genius and the excitement of those years.”
“Michael” Chinese Cinema merch
EXCLUSIVE: Janet and Jermaine Jackson clash over the “Michael” biopic in a heated phone call after the screening. Austin Brown reacts to this TMZ article on Instagram : “This is a lie”.
March 12 : Four New “Michael” movie posters
March 13 : ‘Michael’ Soundtrack Album Details
Michael Movie social medias : “The music that moved the world. MICHAEL: Songs from the Motion Picture – Out April 24 on vinyl, CD, and cassette. #MichaelMovie”
Michael Jackson Estate social medias : “If you’ve been wondering what songs are going to be featured in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, here’s the tracklist for the official companion album which includes 13 of those iconic songs. Which song are you most excited about? Which format are you most excited about – vinyl, CD or cassette? The album will be released on April 24 and you can pre-order now.”
Paris Jackson on Where She Stands With Colman Domingo Amid ‘Michael’ Biopic Drama: ‘Things Get Twisted’ : Michael is set to premiere in theaters on April 24 and stars Jafaar Jackson, the late pop icon’s nephew, as Michael. While speaking to ET, Paris confirmed that she’d conversed with Domingo — who plays the King of Pop’s father, Joe Jackson, in the biopic — and said that she was “wishing him and my cousin success and joy and happiness.” She also shared her hopes for the message Michael will put out there in regards to her father’s legacy: “Love and light.”
March 14 : The Jacksons : “A new edition of You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother’s Eyes by Jermaine Jackson will be released on April 9, 2026, through HarperCollins. In this deeply personal memoir, Jermaine shares his memories of growing up with his brother, Michael Jackson — from their early days performing together in The Jackson 5 to Michael’s extraordinary journey as the King of Pop. The 2026 edition includes a brand-new introduction from Jermaine, reflecting on Michael’s lasting legacy and the renewed global excitement surrounding the upcoming biographical film Michael. A heartfelt tribute from one brother to another, the book is now available for pre-order ahead of its April release.”
