We Just Saw Exclusive Footage From The Michael Jackson Biopic, And It Left Me With A Major Concern

Where does one even begin when trying to tell the story of Michael Jackson? It’s a question being posed by producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Aviator) as he took to the stage in Las Vegas to tease Michael as part of Lionsgate’s presentation at CinemaCon 2024. The studio saved Michael for last – partly because the movie will not be coming out until 2025, but also because it’s very clearly an important component of the upcoming Lionsgate slate. On a panel that rolled out the first look at the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, a better look at both The Crow and Borderlands, and news about Blumhouse tackling The Blair Witch, Michael closed the show. And while the footage was impressive, it did raise an important question that I still need answered. 

This was the world’s first official look at Michael, and it showcased the physicality and prowess of Jaafar Jackson, who has been cast in the role. But Jackson, Michael’s nephew, will only play the King of Pop in the later stages of his career, as Michael has also cast Juliano Krue Valdi to play Jackson 5 era Michael. The film is going to cover a massive span. Just how much? That’s a big part of my question.