Est. 1998
The wait for the definitive Michael Jackson biopic just got a little more thrilling. Lionsgate and Universal have released a stunning new poster for “Michael” ahead of its theatrical release on April 24, 2026. This comes just before the full trailer, which is likely to drop this month given the two high-profile opportunities at the Grammy Awards (tonight) and the Super Bowl next Sunday. The image offers audiences one of their clearest looks yet at Jaafar Jackson, the late icon’s nephew, who steps into the monumental role of his uncle.
The new poster captures the King of Pop in his absolute prime. Jaafar is featured donning a meticulous recreation of the legendary red leather zipper jacket with silver mesh shoulders, the signature look from the “Beat It” short film. Sporting aviator sunglasses and a shy, charismatic smile, the resemblance between Jaafar and Michael is, as many fans have noted, uncanny. The poster radiates the warmth and superstar aura of Michael’s early 80s dominance, bathed in a golden, hazy light that suggests the nostalgic glow of memory.
The poster’s tagline, “His Story Begins,” has already ignited speculation across social media. While it serves as a promise of an origin story, tracing Michael from the Jackson 5 to global superstardom, some fans theorize it could hint at the rumored multi-part structure of the project, given the sheer scope of his life. It’s also a nice nod to the title of Michael’s 1995 album ‘HIStory.’
After facing production delays that pushed the release from 2025 to 2026, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. This poster signals that the marketing machine is finally revving up, promising a cinematic event that tackles the life of one of the most famous men in history.
“Michael” will moonwalk into theaters and IMAX screens nationwide on April 24, 2026.
