Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Faces Poor Reviews Despite Massive Budget & Jaafar Jackson’s Praised Performance
The much-anticipated biopic Michael, based on the life of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, has finally hit early screenings—and the response has been mixed to largely negative.
Despite a massive production scale, a star-backed team, and global hype, the film is struggling critically, even as audiences praise lead actor Jaafar Jackson for his performance.
A Big-Budget Film with Huge Expectations
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is one of the most expensive music biopics ever made, with a reported budget exceeding $100–150 million+ (with some reports suggesting even higher costs due to reshoots and delays).
The film traces Michael Jackson’s journey:
- From Jackson 5 fame
- To global superstardom in the 1980s
- Ending before his later controversial years
The project has been in development for years and is backed by the Jackson estate, making it a highly controlled portrayal of the artist’s life.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: A Disappointing Start
One of the biggest talking points is the film’s poor critical reception.
- The movie debuted with around 26–27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes
- Even after more reviews, it has remained in the low 30% range
This places Michael among the lowest-rated major biopics in recent years.
Critics have described the film as:
- “frustrating”
- “formulaic”
- “safe and sanitized”
Jaafar Jackson: The Only Bright Spot
While the film itself is facing criticism, Jaafar Jackson’s performance is receiving widespread praise.
Critics and early viewers have highlighted:
- His uncanny resemblance to Michael Jackson
- Strong dance and stage presence
- Authentic recreation of iconic performances
Many reviews call his portrayal “near-perfect,” even when the film around him falls short .
Major Criticism: “Too Safe” & Avoids Controversy
The biggest criticism of the biopic is that it avoids the most controversial parts of Michael Jackson’s life.
The film:
- Ends before the 1990s allegations
- Skips major legal and personal controversies
- Focuses mainly on his rise and success
Critics argue this makes the film feel like a:
“tribute” rather than a true biopic
Some even called it a “whitewashed” or overly polished narrative that lacks depth.
Mixed Reviews from Critics
What Critics Liked:
- Music sequences and performances
- Nostalgic recreation of iconic moments
- Jaafar Jackson’s acting
What Critics Didn’t Like:
- Weak storytelling
- Lack of emotional depth
- Avoidance of real-life controversies
- Predictable, “by-the-numbers” structure
Some reviews even described the film as “boring” despite its grand scale .
Controversy Around the Film
The film has also sparked controversy beyond reviews:
- Some members of the Jackson family reportedly disagreed with the portrayal
- Critics argue the film is designed to protect Jackson’s legacy
- Legal constraints reportedly prevented inclusion of sensitive topics
This has led to debates about:
Should biopics show the full truth or only celebrate the artist?
Release & Box Office Expectations
The film is scheduled for global release on April 24, 2026, and despite poor reviews, it is still expected to:
- Perform well commercially
- Attract massive fan audiences
- Potentially lead to a sequel
Experts believe that Michael Jackson’s global fanbase could still drive strong box office numbers.
Conclusion
The Michael biopic is shaping up to be one of the most debated films of 2026.
While it delivers visually and musically, it struggles with storytelling and depth. The contrast is clear:
👉 Strong performance by Jaafar Jackson
👉 Weak critical reception for the film overall
In the end, Michael raises a bigger question:
Can a biopic truly succeed if it avoids the most important parts of a person’s story?