The teaser trailer for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael has become the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic in history.
Data from WaveMetrix revealed that the teaser trailer for Michael racked up 116.2 million views in its first 24 hours, marking the largest launch in Lionsgate’s history, plus the most viewed trailer for not just music biopics, but also concert movies.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael’s teaser trailer easily surpassed the views on the trailer for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which made it to 96.1 million. After that, the trailer for Bob Marley: One Love now comes in third with 60.1 million views.
Michael is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026. Leading the cast is MJ’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who will be playing the title role. Jaafar opened up on social media about what it felt like to portray his uncle in the film.
"I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon," wrote Jaafar on Instagram when the biopic was first announced.
Speaking about his casting to Variety, producer Graham King expressed his excitement in Jaafar taking on the movie as his first role.
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” said King.
“It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role,” King continued. “I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”
Jaafar is joined in the cast by Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.
Famous MJ impersonator Fabio Jackson went viral for sharing his reaction to the teaser, seemingly lost for words at what he was experiencing. “It’s too much to take in,” he wrote in the post’s caption.