Anticipation for the high-profile Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is being met with a wave of critical disappointment as early reviews label the film shallow and uninspired. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film was expected to be a definitive portrayal of the pop icon, but first reactions suggest it may struggle to resonate with critics despite strong initial interest from fans. ‘Michael’ Release Date, Cast – Know About Jaafar Jackson’s ‘King of Pop’ Biopic.

‘Michael’ Biopic Faces Poor Reviews

Following its premiere, the film opened to largely negative reactions from major publications. On Rotten Tomatoes, Michael currently holds a score of 27%, reflecting a broadly unfavourable reception. Critics have specifically targeted the film's narrative depth. IndieWire awarded the film a C-, noting the difficulty of covering Jackson's extensive career: "The film is tasked with covering the first 26 years of Jackson’s life and nearly two decades of his career. That’s a tough ask for any feature film, but the great leaps of time and logic that run through Michael err on the side of boring." The BBC offered an even harsher assessment, giving the biopic 1 out of 5 stars. Their review stated, "The functional dialogue has all the nuance of a road sign, and the visuals are so lacking in flair that even the reconstructions of Jackson‘s ground-breaking videos and concerts are a snooze."

Michael Jackson Biopic Criticised for Shallow Story

A recurring theme among reviewers is the film's perceived refusal to engage with the more complex and controversial aspects of Jackson's life. The Guardian, rating the film 2 out of 5 stars, described it as a "frustratingly shallow, inert picture." The publication argued that the film "can’t quite bring itself to show that Michael was an abuse victim, brutalised by his father and robbed of his childhood." Similarly, Rolling Stone highlighted the emotional conflict for viewers, writing, "You’re reminded of the first time you heard Jackson’s music… And you’re also reminded that such things are still tainted, even if the movie twists itself into knots to avoid you thinking about such things." The Associated Press (AP) gave the film 1.5 out of 4 stars, suggesting that the film relies too heavily on nostalgia and "blindly believing only in that celebrity."

‘Michael’ Cast

The film features a notable ensemble cast, led by Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in the title role. The cast also includes Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. The official synopsis describes the project as a "sweeping portrayal" intended to show Jackson’s life "beyond the music." It aims to trace his journey from the Jackson Five to his status as the world’s biggest entertainer, highlighting "his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career." ‘Michael’ Trailer Out: Director Antoine Fuqua Brings Michael Jackson’s Legacy to Life With Jaafar Jackson in Lead (Watch Video)

Advance Bookings Open in India

In India, Michael is scheduled for release on April 23, 2026, arriving one day before its wider international launch on April 24. Despite the critical backlash, advance bookings have already opened, with early interest remaining strong among long-time fans eager to see the "King of Pop" portrayed on the big screen.

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