Jaafar Jackson Dazzles in $217M Michael Biopic as Director Fuqua Eyes Sequel

Key facts

• Michael debuted to $97 million in the U.S. and $217.4 million worldwide, the biggest global opening for a musical biopic.
• Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, plays the lead role in his first film.
• Director Antoine Fuqua had to reshoot the finale after the Jackson estate blocked depiction of accuser Jordan Chandler.
• Reshoots cost $50 million, bringing net production cost to $200 million.
• The film ends with Michael’s 1988 performance of “Bad” at Wembley Stadium and a title card reading “His story continues.”
• Critics panned Fuqua’s direction as unfocused but praised Jaafar Jackson’s performance.
• The film covers Michael’s childhood abuse by father Joseph Jackson (Coleman Domingo) and his rise to solo stardom.
• Fuqua said he aimed to “humanize” Michael and show his eccentricities and insecurities.

A Record-Breaking Debut for the King of Pop’s Biopic

Michael, the long-awaited biopic of Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua, stormed theaters this weekend with a global opening of $217.4 million, including $97 million from the U.S. market. The film, distributed by Lionsgate and Universal, now holds the record for the biggest worldwide debut ever for a musical biopic, surpassing all predecessors. The movie’s success comes despite a wave of critical backlash. Many reviewers described Fuqua’s direction as scattered and accused the film of glossing over the complexities of Jackson’s life, reducing his story to parental abuse and loneliness. Yet audiences—both longtime fans and a new generation—flocked to theaters, often returning for multiple screenings.

Jaafar Jackson’s Uncanny Portrayal Anchors the Film

At the heart of Michael is Jaafar Jackson, the pop star’s nephew, making his acting debut. Critics and fans alike have hailed his performance as the film’s saving grace. Jaafar captures his uncle’s soft-spoken demeanor, signature dance moves—including the moonwalk—and even the way he stomps his feet on stage. feeling as though Michael himself had momentarily possessed his nephew’s body. Fuqua first encountered Jaafar through a test photo shown by cinematographer Bob Richardson. “That isn’t Michael, it’s Jaafar, his nephew,” Richardson told him. The director was so stunned that he immediately signed on to the project after meeting producer Graham King. Jaafar’s performance, Fuqua said, was key to humanizing the icon and making him relatable to younger audiences who never saw him perform live.

Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil: A $50 Million Reshoot

The road to release was anything but smooth. After principal photography wrapped, the Jackson estate informed Fuqua that the original finale—which included a scene with Jordan Chandler, a young accuser who settled with Jackson in 1993—could not be used. The estate admitted its mistake and covered the $50 million cost of reshoots, pushing the net production budget to $200 million. Fuqua spent an additional 20 days shooting a new ending, forcing him to turn down other projects. The revised finale now shows Jackson’s first solo performance of “Bad” at Wembley Stadium in 1988, followed by a black screen reading “His story continues.” The director noted that the most challenging films—like The Godfather or Titanic—often have the most daunting behind-the-scenes struggles.

A Story of Abuse, Stardom, and Neverland

The film traces Jackson’s life from his childhood as the youngest of the Jackson 5, where he endured corporal punishment from his father Joseph Jackson (played by Coleman Domingo). Fuqua portrays Joseph as a volatile figure whose unpredictable temper creates constant suspense. Michael’s mother Katherine (Nia Long) is depicted as timid and largely absent from the power dynamics. Amid the turmoil, the movie highlights Jackson’s softer side: his obsession with Peter Pan, his love for animals, and his collection of exotic pets—from a snake to a giraffe—at Neverland Ranch. His closest companion was his pet monkey Bubbles, whom he rescued from lab experiments. Jackson would read storybooks to Bubbles and play Twister with him, reflecting a deep loneliness and lack of friends his own age.

Mixed Critical Reception but Fan Devotion

While critics have faulted the film for its uneven pacing and over-reliance on Jackson’s music catalog—which Fuqua acquired rights to—fans have embraced it as a celebration of the King of Pop. The movie features near-perfect renditions of “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Human Nature,” turning theaters into a live concert experience. Many younger viewers, who never saw Jackson perform, got their first taste of his stage magic. Fuqua defended his approach, saying he wanted to “remind people about the magic of him, the power of the music, and the fun that he brought into the world.” He acknowledged that Jackson is “one of the most complex characters to tell a story about” and that grounding him as a relatable figure was his primary goal.

What Comes Next: Sequel Hopes and Unanswered Questions

The film’s closing title card, “His story continues,” has sparked immediate speculation about a sequel. Fuqua confirmed that discussions are underway, though no official announcement has been made. The movie covers only up to 1988, leaving out Jackson’s later years, including the 1993 allegations, his 2005 trial, and his death in 2009. Fuqua, who is currently en route to Italy to shoot a Netflix film with Denzel Washington, said he is open to continuing the story. For now, fans are left wanting more—the 127-minute runtime felt too short for many. As one line from the film’s award ceremony scene puts it: “Immortality will cradle you gently in its arms, and you will forever be known.”

A Biopic That Divides but Endures

Michael is a film that thrives on contradiction. Critics pan its structure; fans adore its star. The box office numbers are undeniable, but the narrative gaps are equally glaring. Fuqua succeeded in making a movie about Michael Jackson that centers almost exclusively on him, leaving little room for the people who shaped him—except for his abusive father and his mother. Yet Jaafar Jackson’s performance transcends the script. He embodies his uncle so completely that audiences forgive the film’s flaws. The biopic may not be a definitive portrait, but it has reignited a global conversation about Jackson’s legacy. For a new generation, it offers a first glimpse of the magic. For older fans, it is a bittersweet reunion. The story, as the title card promises, continues.

The bottom line

• Michael earned $217.4 million globally in its opening weekend, the highest ever for a musical biopic.
• Jaafar Jackson’s debut performance is widely praised as the film’s standout element.
• The film’s original finale was scrapped due to legal restrictions, leading to $50 million in reshoots.
• Critics panned the direction but audiences embraced the film, driving repeat viewings.
• The movie ends in 1988, leaving Jackson’s later life and controversies unexplored.
• A sequel is under discussion, with Fuqua expressing interest in continuing the story.