MJ BIOPIC ROARS BACK WITH NEW TRAILER AS LIONSGATE PREDICTS A ONE TO TWO BILLION DOLLAR BOX OFFICE SHOCKER

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2026, 9:30 a.m. — The long delayed Michael Jackson biopic is back in the spotlight with a new trailer, and Lionsgate insiders are already talking about a global box office that could hit one to two billion dollars. If the numbers land anywhere near that range, the film would set a new record for a music biopic.

The studio released fresh footage from the film titled Michael. The project stars Jaafar Jackson as his uncle and is directed by Antoine Fuqua. Production has been slowed by legal disputes over how to handle the allegations that have followed Jackson since the 1990s.

Sources say the movie focuses on Jackson’s rise as a solo superstar. There is talk of a possible sequel to cover later chapters of his life, although the studio has not confirmed any plans.

The film has drawn criticism from filmmakers behind past documentaries who argue that an estate approved project will present a selective version of Jackson’s life. The estate has been involved in legal battles over rights connected to previous accusers.

The cast includes Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson’s parents, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.

Despite the controversy, Lionsgate is treating Michael as a major global event. Early internal projections suggest the studio believes the worldwide audience for Jackson’s music and legacy could push the film into billion dollar territory.

Michael is scheduled to open in theaters on April 24.

Rob Redding is the author of No. 1 best selling book Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung . He is the bestselling author of 18 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.