After several years of delays and speculation, the highly anticipated biopic of Michael Jackson, titled Michael, has a firm release date.

New Michael Jackson Film to Premiere in 2026

Lionsgate and Universal Pictures have announced that their upcoming film about Michael Jackson will be released in cinemas and IMAX around the world on April 24, 2026 Including the UK.

The movie has faced several delays. It was first planned for April 2025, but because of production problems, editing work, and extra filming, the date was moved to October 2025, and then delayed again to 2026.

Lionsgate’s CEO, John Feltheimer, said in May 2025 that the changes would affect the studio’s earnings for 2026, but will help boost their movie schedule for 2027.

Filming for the movie finished in May 2024. But more filming was needed, along with legal reviews, which caused more delays. In total, they filmed 22 extra days in 2025. The first version of the film was over three and a half hours long, and the studio may consider turning it into two parts, though only the first part has a confirmed release date so far.

The movie is called Michael, and it is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, as Michael.

The film is being produced by Graham King, who also worked on the movie Bohemian Rhapsody (about Freddie Mercury). He says this new film will give an up-close look at Michael Jackson’s life and lasting impact on the world of music.

Other well-known actors in the film include:

• Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson (Michael’s father)

• Nia Long as Katherine Jackson (Michael’s mother)

• Miles Teller as John Branca (Michael’s lawyer)

• Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy (founder of Motown)

• Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe (music executive)

• Kat Graham as Diana Ross (famous singer and friend of Michael)

The story follows Michael from his early days in the Jackson 5, all the way to becoming the King of Pop. Some parts of his life that involved legal issues will not be shown in detail, due to legal concerns.

The film’s budget is $155 million, making it a very large and expensive production. Lionsgate will release the movie in the U.S., while Universal Pictures will handle the release in most other countries. In Japan, the film will be released by Kino Films.