'Michael' Teaser Trailer Breaks Records with 116 Million Views
The first teaser for Michael, the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, attracted 116.2 million views worldwide within 24 hours. This set a new record for the biggest 24-hour launch for any music biopic teaser and became Lionsgate’s most successful first-day trailer debut.
Details on the Film and Distribution
The teaser, reported by Lionsgate with data from analytics firm WaveMetrix, will be shown in theaters next week alongside Lionsgate’s Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. The biopic is scheduled for a global release on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate will manage domestic distribution, Universal Pictures will cover international markets excluding Japan, where Kino Films will distribute.
Focus and Scope of the Biopic
Michael aims to portray Michael Jackson's life beyond his famous hits. The film traces his journey from a child star in the Jackson Five to a solo artist who became a defining figure in popular culture.
The project "will depict key offstage chapters along with some of Jackson’s early iconic performances, presenting what the filmmakers describe as a front-row view of his artistic evolution."
Creative Team
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Screenplay: John Logan
- Producers: Graham King (known for Bohemian Rhapsody), and Jackson estate executors John Branca and John McClain
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, takes the lead role, offering audiences an intimate portrayal of the King of Pop’s life and artistry.
Author’s Summary
The Michael teaser trailer sets new records, promising an in-depth biopic unveiling both public triumphs and private moments of the iconic pop legend.