The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, has set a new benchmark for music-focused films. Within 24 hours of its release, the teaser trailer accumulated 116.2 million views worldwide, according to analytics firm WaveMetrix. That figure makes it the most-watched trailer for a music biopic or concert film ever released, surpassing previous record holders across the genre.
The trailer’s performance also marks a milestone for Lionsgate, becoming the studio’s most-viewed trailer debut in its history and outpacing John Wick: Chapter 4 by more than 50% within the first six hours. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the project, noting that audiences have been eager for a portrayal of Jackson’s life that captures both his artistry and controversy.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, the film stars Jaafar Jackson—Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew—as the pop icon. The cast includes Colman Domingo as family patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as Jackson’s longtime attorney, John Branca. Juliano Krue Valdi plays the younger version of the singer, while Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Jessica Sula appear in supporting roles.
The production is being handled domestically by Lionsgate, with Universal Pictures distributing internationally (excluding Japan, where Kino Films is taking charge). Producer Graham King, who previously worked on Bohemian Rhapsody, is also behind this project, lending further experience from the music-biopic genre.
The film has reportedly been divided into two parts following an initial three-and-a-half-hour director’s cut that included legally restricted material related to Jackson’s accusers—content that will not appear in the theatrical release. While Lionsgate has not officially confirmed the sequel, executives have suggested that the creative team is preparing for an eventual continuation following the first film’s debut.
For context, Michael’s 116.2 million views significantly outperformed other major music-related releases: Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour garnered 96.1 million, Bob Marley: One Love 60.1 million, Bohemian Rhapsody 57.6 million, and the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown reached 47.2 million.
The trailer’s timing also coincided with Lionsgate’s quarterly earnings presentation, providing the studio with an attention-grabbing headline as the film industry heads into a competitive awards and box office season. Audiences can catch the teaser in theaters next weekend, where it will play before Lionsgate’s new release Now You See: Now You Don’t.
Fuqua has described Michael as an opportunity to explore the cultural impact of one of the most influential figures in modern music, though the film will inevitably face scrutiny over how it balances reverence for Jackson’s legacy with acknowledgment of the controversies that shaped his later life.
