MICHAEL – Teaser Trailer (2025) Michael Jackson Biopic | Lionsgate

The high-profile biopic Michael is reportedly in jeopardy, with its third act deemed legally unusable. Directed by Training Day filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, with Gladiator screenwriter John Logan penning the script, the Michael Jackson musical drama is set to be released by Lionsgate on October 3. The cast includes Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in the lead role. Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke also star.

In his What I'm Hearing newsletter for Puck, journalist Matt Belloni reveals that Lionsgate's Michael biopic faces significant peril on how it will directly address the 1993 allegations of child sexual abuse against Michael Jackson, making it a core focus of the story. Los Angeles resident Evan Chandler accused the singer of abusing his 13-year-old son Jordan.