Apr 11, 2026 10:35am IST
Jaafar Jackson’s ‘Michael’ Opens to Glowing Early Reviews, ‘Best Music Biopic’ Say Critics
"Michael", the biopic on global pop icon Michael Jackson, has been screened for a select audience. Early reactions for the film, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, are overwhelmingly positive. While much of that praise is directed at Jaafar's performance, several critics are already calling the film one of the best music biopics to date.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” is among the most anticipated releases of the year, and early word suggests it delivers on that promise. Journalist and critic Eric Davis shared his reaction on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Jaafar Jackson delivers a truly remarkable performance in #Michael, embodying the spirit, the ambition and the physicality of Michael Jackson in a way that's dazzling to watch. The kid is so good, and longtime fans will adore this film.”
Davis added, “Director Antoine Fuqua delivers a fun, entertaining and soulful film that tells part of Michael's story, hitting several iconic beats. I particularly loved the moments around ‘Beat It,’ ‘Thriller’ and Michael's early music video era. Fuqua also crafts a story about the chaos between an overbearing father and a wildly talented son whose loss of a real childhood haunts him into adulthood.”
Jaafar Jackson delivers a truly remarkable performance in #Michael, embodying the spirit, the ambition and the physicality of Michael Jackson in a way that's dazzling to watch. The kid is so good, and longtime fans will adore this film.
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 10, 2026
Director Antoine Fuqua delivers a fun,… pic.twitter.com/owfYimBWCH
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Film critic Hunter Bolding also praised the performances, writing, “#Michael features two absolutely smashing performances. Jaafar Jackson is electric in his role, while Colman Domingo is monstrous as Joe Jackson. The ending leaves a bit to be desired, but the journey there is fascinating and fitting of the greatest entertainer of our time.”
#Michael features two absolutely smashing performances, Jaafar Jackson is ELECTRIC in his role, while Colman Domingo is monstrous as Joe Jackson. The ending leaves a bit to be desired, but the journey there is fascinating and fitting of the greatest entertainer of our time. pic.twitter.com/SlZITFVrn6
— Hunter Bolding (@HunterBVideo) April 10, 2026
Actor Matt Ramos went a step further, calling the film “perfect” and singling out Jackson’s work. “Jaafar Jackson gives the performance to beat for the rest of the year. The voice, the dancing, the heart and soul are all there. It was magic. The entire theater was singing and dancing the whole way through. The ultimate love letter to Michael fans. This is the movie we wanted,” he wrote.
It’s perfect. Jaafar Jackson gives the performance to beat for the rest of the year. I can’t say enough about it. The voice, the dancing, the heart & soul are all there & it was magic. Entire theater was singing & dancing the whole way through. The ultimate love letter to Michael… pic.twitter.com/Xpspe9FhBc
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) April 10, 2026
Another journalist, Liam Crowley, highlighted the film’s theatrical appeal. “#MichaelMovie is why we go to the movies. ‘Thriller,’ ‘Beat It’ and more are recreated to perfection. It makes you smile where it wants to and wince where it needs to. Some pacing issues, but strong stuff overall. Can’t wait to watch this with a crowd,” he noted.
#MichaelMovie is why we go to the movies. Thriller, Beat It, etc recreated to perfection - genuinely couldn’t resist a head bump and finger tap at any moment. Makes you smile where it wants to, wince where it needs to. Colman is your earliest supporting actor candidate. Some… pic.twitter.com/awMaguXcbl
— Liam (@LiamTCrowley) April 10, 2026
Social media reactions have echoed similar sentiments. User Junior Felix described the film as “one of the best music biopics” he has seen, adding that Jackson is “dazzling and mesmerizing” while Colman Domingo delivers a “spectacular” supporting turn.
#MichaelMovie is one of the best music biopics I've ever seen! Jaafar Jackson is Dazzling and Mesmerizing and truly embodies Michael Jackson. Colman Domingo is Spectacular and shows why he's one of the greats. Incredible musical sequences and performances makes this a must watch pic.twitter.com/mpJC4Zd7oA
— Junior Felix (@JuniorFett) April 10, 2026
Alongside Jaafar Jackson, “Michael” features an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Kat Graham and Miles Teller. The film is set to release in India on April 24, 2026.
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