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Michael Jackson Biopic Criticized as Bland and Incompetent
21 Apr
Summary
- Film omits controversial elements, focusing only on early career.
- Critics describe the biopic as bland, barely competent, and overly saccharine.
- Michael's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, plays the lead role in the film.
A new biopic about Michael Jackson, titled "Michael," is poised to be one of the worst films of 2026, according to early reviews. The film, produced by several of Jackson's relatives and associates, has been described as bland and barely competent, akin to a daytime TV movie. It offers a chronological account of Jackson's time with the Jackson 5 and his early solo success, notably concluding in the mid-1980s, before any child abuse allegations. Crucially, the narrative deliberately removes all content deemed dramatic or contentious, presenting a sanitized version of the star's life.
The resulting film features numerous scenes where industry figures praise Jackson's talent, contrasted with harsh interactions from his father, played by Colman Domingo. Michael's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays the singer, seemingly cast for his physical resemblance rather than his acting ability. The portrayal shows a consistently smiling Jackson, even when discussing his "friends" instead of pets, leading to a disconnect with the urgent and paranoid nature of his hit songs like "Billie Jean."
