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A major update to the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has been announced with the film now expected to be delayed by six months, now hitting theaters in Fall 2025.
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The movie’s debut date change was made by the project’s distributor Lionsgate, on Tuesday, announcing the Antonine Fuqua-directed film, previously planned to release on April 18, 2025, is now slated to hit theaters in wide release on October 3.
Made with the approval of the Jackson estate, with its executors John Branca and John McClain making up two-thirds of the project’s producers, alongside Graham King, the producer behind Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. The film will trace the life of the complex musician, including his public and private struggles.
Starring Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late icon, in the title role, “'Michael' will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” per the film’s synopsis. “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. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Other cast members include Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.
While a reason for the film’s delay has yet to be revealed, when discussing his journey of
bringing the John Logan script to the screen, during a San Diego Comic-Con panel back in July. The director behind the Equalizer trilogy, Emancipation, and SouthPaw, told audiences that the film is in the early stages of editing.
“Why I wanted to make it is, Michael,” the filmmaker said, “Michael was a big part of my life growing up, big influence on my career, an incredible artist — but he was a human being, and we’re exploring that. I’m very excited about it.”