Teaser for Michael Is Biggest in Lionsgate History

The teaser for Michael, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic produced by Graham King and directed by Antoine Fuqua, has generated a record 116.2 million views globally in its first 24 hours.

According to WaveMetrix, the teaser for Michael is the largest 24-hour trailer debut in Lionsgate history, and the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic in motion picture history.

Not yet rated by the MPA, the movie will open in theaters on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate will distribute the film domestically, with Kino Films distributing in Japan and Universal distributing in the rest of the world.

Fans can see the teaser for Michael in theaters beginning next week with the release of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. Michael is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.

The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.

Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, and Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson. The producers include Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain.

“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said producer Graham King previously. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”

Director Antoine Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film.

“But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”