‘Michael’ Raises Questions About Celebrity Biopics
The film’s first teaser celebrates the King of Pop’s legendary career, but does it offer a full perspective on his life? This piece draws from HuffPost’s weekly culture and entertainment newsletter, The Culture Catchall.
Audiences have never been more eager to see a real-life story that feels so familiar—especially die-hard Michael Jackson fans who know it well. Yet that enthusiasm didn’t fade this week when Lionsgate released the first teaser for the long-awaited biopic.
Teaser Highlights
The one-minute trailer for Michael features Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson (son of Jermaine Jackson), fully transformed as the icon in his dazzling glory. The movie showcases pivotal moments from Jackson’s career, including his signature sequined outfits, iconic dance moves, and major album eras like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.
Cast and Roles
- Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney, John Branca
The Antoine Fuqua-directed film’s attention to detail impressed many fans on social media after the teaser debut.
“The movie, from what we can tell so far, appears to recreate all the pivotal moments of Jackson’s career.”
While the trailer beautifully highlights Michael Jackson’s legendary status, viewers will be watching closely to see if the film captures the full complexity of his life beyond the spotlight.
Author’s summary: The biopic teaser excites fans with detailed depictions of Michael Jackson’s iconic career, yet leaves open whether it will portray the full story behind the legend.