“Michael,” which chronicles the rise of Michael Jackson from his early years in the Jackson 5 through the height of his solo career, arrives with significant expectations and an equally notable response gap.
Critics and Audiences Clash Over ‘Michael’ on Rotten Tomatoes
On RT, “Michael” currently holds a 39% approval rating from critics, based on 189 reviews, signaling a largely unfavorable critical consensus. In contrast, audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 96% score drawn from more than 1,000 verified ratings.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film traces Jackson’s trajectory from a child performer in the 1960s to global superstardom during the Bad tour era. Jaafar Jackson, making his screen debut, portrays the singer as an adult, with Juliano Krue Valdi depicting his younger years. The supporting cast includes Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller and Laura Harrier, among others.
The production has been closely watched since its early development, which dates back to 2019 when producer Graham King secured the rights to Jackson’s life story. After delays tied to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, principal photography took place in 2024, followed by additional reshoots in 2025 that reshaped the movie’s final act.
The film premiered in Berlin on April 10 ahead of its wide April 24 release through Lionsgate in the United States and Universal Pictures internationally. Early box office returns indicate a global total of $31 million, with projections suggesting a strong opening weekend despite the critical response.
