The new Michael biopic premiered in Los Angeles on Monday, drawing members of the late Michael Jackson’s family to the red carpet.
Leading the film is Jaafar Jackson — the singer’s nephew and son of Jermaine Jackson — who spoke about the effort he put into portraying his uncle.
“I spent a lot of time studying his performances and trying to understand how he felt after each one,” he said, noting that such emotional insight wasn’t easy to find. He added that learning Michael had been critical of certain iconic moments, like his moonwalk, allowed him to approach the role with more freedom rather than chasing perfection.
Colman Domingo takes on the role of the singer’s strict father, Joe Jackson, while Nia Long portrays his mother, Katherine Jackson. Speaking on the red carpet, Long reflected on Katherine’s strength, describing her as a deeply faithful woman devoted to her family.
For Michael’s sister, La Toya Jackson, watching her early life unfold onscreen was emotional. She praised Domingo’s portrayal of their father, saying she was moved to tears.
Their brother, Jackie Jackson, also attended and pushed back on the idea that their father alone shaped their success, emphasizing that the siblings had a genuine passion for performing from a young age.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is set to open in UK cinemas on April 22 and in the US on April 24.
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