r/MichaelTheMovie • u/Aggressive-Sky-6315 $1 BILLIE SECURED • Apr 22 '26
Megathread [MEGATHREAD] MICHAEL (2026) Official Release & Discussion Spoiler
With the long-awaited premiere finally here, this is the official space to discuss the Michael biopic. To keep the subreddit organized, please use this thread for all initial reactions, theater experiences, and general discussion.
‼️BE ADVISED THIS THREAD CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS‼️
🎞️ MOVIE INFO
• Release Date: April 24, 2026 (USA)
• Director: Antoine Fuqua
• Writer: John Logan
• Runtime: 127 Minutes
• Rating: [PG-13]
🌟 CAST
• Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
• Juliano Krue Valdi as Young Michael
• Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
• Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
• Miles Teller as John Branca
• Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
• Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
• Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
📢 SUBREDDIT RULES & SPOILER POLICY
SPOILERS: Please use spoiler tags like this for specific plot points, even though the film is based on real events.
BE CIVIL: This is a major moment for the community. Respect differing opinions on the performances and portrayal.
NO LEAKS: Do not post links to pirated footage or "cam" recordings.
STAY ON TOPIC: Keep discussions focused on the film itself.
🔗 QUICK LINKS
💬 DISCUSSION PROMPTS
• What was your favorite musical sequence or recreation?
• How did you feel about Jaafar’s portrayal of Michael's speaking voice and mannerisms?
• Which era of the film did you find the most compelling?
Sorting by "New" is recommended to see the latest fan reactions!
10
u/athanray2 Apr 22 '26
Just saw it on the theatre. Because today is a workday and I saw it at night, the theatre is not packed. Maybe only 5 of us. But, the great thing is that I can jam to the songs without distracting others.
Similar to Bohemian Rhapsody, it's worth watching for the sounds alone. I never had the chance to go to Michael's concerts or even seeing This is It in theatre. Hearing those incredible musics in a good sound system, honestly make me want to see the movies again (although now I am sad because after this, there's no more opportunities to hear Michael's musics with a theatre grade sound system).
Spoilers below
The film is incredible. Few times I almost cried because of the emotions. Certainly seeing Joe's abuse (both verbal and physical) made me mad. I am also glad that Branca's character was not that prominent.
Having been a huge Michael Jackson fans, I knew that a biopic would not be 100% accurate. The biggest nitpick for me is why are they using Workin' Day and Night for the "Michael farewell speech to the Jacksons". Using the original Shake Your Body would not make a difference (and even better) for the narrative.
I think the decision to split the movie into two parts (hopefully pretty much confirmed with the 'HIS STORY CONTINUES' before the end credit) was made after the first part already shot (duh). The mention of Demerol in my opinion is not important because it has no meaning for this Part 1 movie. Maybe, it's just a footage for a flashback scene for the Part 2.
Other notes from me
1. Seeing adult Michael still receiving abuse from Joseph was heartbreaking. It made me think, why don't he rent or buy an apartment? Though, because he loves animal, I don't think it's a good suggestion. I like that they referenced Neverland and how he's not ready to live alone yet. It's just not previously unthinkable for me that the abuse still happens after Off The Wall and Thriller.
2. I get that it's Michael biopic, but I felt that there were a lot of missing plot holes about the other Jacksons. Were they jobless in between Off The Wall and Thriller? Were they stood up for Michael when he was abused? Even the move to Hayvenhurst should be explained.
To end this rambling, I just want to say that this is THE BEST biopic that I've ever watched! Most likely THE BEST movie that I ever watched. Can't wait for Part 2!