‘Michael’ Raises A Good Question About Expectations for Celebrity Biopics
The film’s first teaser glorifies the King of Pop’s legendary career, but will it reveal the full story of his life? This article features content from HuffPost’s weekly culture and entertainment newsletter, The Culture Catchall.
Audiences have never been so eager to watch a true story we already know well—especially die-hard Michael Jackson fans. Yet excitement surged this week when Lionsgate released the first teaser for the long-awaited biopic about the King of Pop.
First Look at the Biopic
The minute-long trailer stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson (son of Jermaine Jackson), completely transformed into the icon, showcasing Jackson in his signature style and charisma. From his iconic sequined outfits to his famous choreography and legendary albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, the film seems set to capture the key moments of Jackson’s career.
Notable Cast Members
- Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney, John Branca
Many fans online were impressed by the Antoine Fuqua-directed film’s attention to detail.
This biopic invites us to reflect on what stories we expect celebrity films to tell and whether they can truly capture the complexities of iconic lives.
Author’s summary: The ‘Michael’ teaser excites fans by showcasing Jackson’s iconic career, yet it prompts reflection on biopics' ability to reveal the full person behind fame.