“Michael”: Facts and Fiction Behind the Biopic

“Michael”: Facts and Fiction Behind the Biopic

More than a month has passed since the biographical film Michael was released worldwide. In Russia, audiences have been able to watch it since May 28, 2026. How successful is the film, and which important facts from the life of Michael Jackson were left out? Here's a closer look.

The Film and Its Production

The film premiered globally on April 24, 2026. It was directed by Antoine Fuqua. The project was approved by the Jackson family and follows Michael's life from childhood through his rise to fame with The Jackson 5, ending around the beginning of the Bad Tour era.

Critics, however, gave the film a mixed reception. Their main criticism was that the biopic largely avoids the most controversial aspects of Jackson's life. In particular, allegations of abuse involving minors are not mentioned at all.

Why Does the Film End in 1988?

The movie focuses primarily on Michael's childhood and early career. The story stops just before the launch of the Bad Tour in 1988.

This decision was intentional. Some of the producers are members of the Jackson family, who reportedly did not want later controversies to be dramatized once again.

As a result, the film emphasizes:

• Michael's talent and artistic achievements;
• psychological trauma from childhood;
• the strictness and abuse associated with his father, Joseph Jackson.

Even these themes are portrayed in a relatively softened and cautious manner.

Who Plays Michael Jackson?

One of the film's most praised aspects is its casting.

Michael is portrayed by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Although he had no previous acting experience, he underwent extensive preparation, including:

• hours of dance training;
• acting lessons;
• vocal coaching;
• rehearsals with choreographers who had worked with Michael.

According to Jaafar:

“I kept practicing until every move was perfect. There were times when my feet bled from dancing.”

In studio-recording scenes, Jaafar performs the vocals himself. During concert sequences, his voice is blended with Michael's original recordings.

What Did Critics Say?

Many reviews described the film as “polished,” “formulaic,” and “an attempt to rewrite history.”

According to critics, the movie fails to fully explore Michael's complex personality and instead focuses mainly on celebrating the legendary star.

Which Parts Are Fictionalized?

1. The John Branca–Joseph Jackson Scene

The film shows attorney John Branca firing Joseph Jackson via fax. There is no historical evidence confirming that this actually happened.

2. Janet Jackson's Absence

Michael's famous sister, Janet Jackson, does not appear in the film at all. This was reportedly done at her personal request.

3. The “Off the Wall” Album Portrayal

The movie presents Off the Wall as Michael's first independent artistic project.

In reality, he had already released four solo albums before it. However, Off the Wall did mark the beginning of his true creative freedom.

What Was Left Out of the Film?

1. The “Thriller” Video Incident

According to stories that have circulated online, Joseph Jackson visited the set of the Thriller music video, prompting Michael to ask director John Landis to remove him from the set. This incident is not shown in the film.

2. Michael's Personal Relationships

The biopic barely touches on Michael's romantic life.

In reality, he dated actress Tatum O'Neal, and was later linked to Brooke Shields and Ola Ray, who appeared in the Thriller video.

3. The Jackson 5 Performing in Strip Clubs

This uncomfortable but historically documented aspect of the group's early career is omitted entirely.

4. Collaboration with Quincy Jones

Michael's role in The Wiz and his introduction to Quincy Jones are mentioned only briefly, despite the fact that their partnership became one of the most important turning points in his career.

What Was Cut From the Film?

The film was originally scheduled for release in October 2025 but was delayed until April 2026 because numerous scenes underwent re-editing.

Notable cuts included:

• scenes involving Diana Ross, reportedly due to legal restrictions;
• an opening and ending connected to a police raid on Neverland Ranch.

The latter was reportedly removed because of legal restrictions related to settlements involving Jordan Chandler and his family.

Michael's Health and Addictions

The film only briefly touches on Michael's vitiligo.

His plastic surgeries are portrayed mainly as part of a desire for physical perfection. In reality:

• some procedures were connected to injuries from stage accidents;
• nasal surgeries were also linked to injuries suffered after the famous Pepsi commercial fire incident.

Most importantly, Michael's dependence on pain medication is barely addressed, even though it had a major impact on his later life.

Will There Be a Sequel?

Yes. The filmmakers have confirmed that a sequel is in development.

The second installment may be released in 2027 and is expected to focus on Michael's life after the Bad Tour era, including:

• new achievements;
• major controversies;
• and possibly some of the most debated periods of his life.

However, legal restrictions concerning certain individuals and events remain in place, making it unclear how extensively those topics can be explored.

Conclusion

Michael is, above all, a tribute to Michael Jackson's talent and stage presence. It features strong musical sequences and a highly convincing performance by Jaafar Jackson.

From a historical perspective, however, the film resembles a “family-approved version” of events: difficult facts are softened, and some are omitted entirely. For that reason, it is best viewed not as a comprehensive documentary biography, but as an artistic and emotional interpretation of Michael Jackson's life.