The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has made history even before it hits cinemas. The teaser trailer for Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, has amassed a staggering 116 million views in just the first 24 hours of its release, setting a new record for the genre, according to WaveMetrix.
With 116.2 million global views, the trailer has become the most-watched music biopic teaser of all time, setting a new benchmark for future releases. It has also achieved Lionsgate’s biggest trailer debut to date, highlighting the immense anticipation surrounding the film.
The short clip showcases Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, as he channels his famous uncle, perfectly recreating iconic dance moves like the moonwalk and the legendary Thriller sequence. The trailer will be shown in cinemas starting next week.
Michael follows the extraordinary journey of Michael Jackson, from his early days as a child star in the Jackson 5 to his rise as one of the world’s most influential entertainers. The film explores his groundbreaking musical career, artistic genius, and the global phenomenon he became in the 1980s — a decade that cemented his place as the undisputed “King of Pop.”
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the biopic stars Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael Jackson, with a stellar cast that includes Miles Teller as John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
Produced by Lionsgate, Michael is set for a worldwide theatrical release on April 24, 2026. The film’s record-breaking trailer debut has already positioned it as one of the most highly anticipated biographical dramas of the decade.