Michael Jackson's Biopic: A Disappointing Tribute to the King of Pop?

The biopic 'Michael', centered on pop icon Michael Jackson and featuring his nephew Jaafer Jackson, premiered in Los Angeles to significant anticipation. However, it has since received largely negative reviews, resulting in low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have described the film as uninspired and superficial, failing to address key aspects of Jackson's life. Despite some praise for its music and Jaafer's potential, the film has struggled to attract viewers. Scheduled for a wider release on April 24, 2026, this biopic raises questions about its portrayal of the King of Pop.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 20:37 IST

Premiere of Michael Jackson's Biopic

The eagerly awaited biopic about pop legend Michael Jackson, simply titled Michael, made its debut in Los Angeles on Monday night. Starring Jaafer Jackson, the nephew of the late superstar, the film sparked considerable buzz ahead of its release. Unfortunately, it has faced a wave of negative critiques since then. This backlash has led to disappointing ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Antonie Fuqua, critics have labeled the film's portrayal as ‘uninspired’ and ‘controversial’, steering clear of significant issues surrounding Jackson's life. For context, the film had its international premiere in Berlin on April 20.

Disappointing Ratings for the Biopic

Poor Ratings For Michael Jackson’s Biopic

Jaafer Jackson made his acting debut in this biopic, which initially opened with a lowly 27 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, by Wednesday, the score had slightly improved to 35 percent, based on 101 reviews from both critics and audiences. Despite featuring a family member of the iconic pop star, the film struggled to make a notable impression and draw in viewers. Critics have voiced strong disapproval of the film, with some film enthusiasts finding it surprisingly underwhelming. The BBC described it as a ‘very poor film’, likening it to ‘a dull and barely competent daytime TV movie’.

On a more positive note, the Tribune New Service acknowledged the film's music and recognized Jaafer Jackson's potential as a rising star. Nonetheless, the film has been deemed ‘uncomfortably problematic’. The Guardian's review criticized the film as ‘frustratingly superficial’, arguing that it fails to address the most significant aspects of Jackson’s life. The biopic aims to depict Michael Jackson’s journey, from his early days at Motown alongside his brothers to his extraordinary rise as a solo artist.

Production Insights and Future Prospects

About Michael Jackson Biopic

The biopic has been produced by Graham King, known for his work on the Oscar-winning film, Bohemian Rhapsody, which chronicled the life of Freddie Mercury. As for Jaafer Jackson, audiences are eager to see what he will do next. Prior to the film's premiere, he expressed, “It was a process that I really had to earn, and it really proved to the filmmakers and myself and my family that I can get to that point where I can pull it off.” The film is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026. Stay tuned for more updates!