Jaafar Jackson Makes His Film Debut Portraying His Famous Uncle in “Michael,” Which Arrives on Starz Aug. 10 After Becoming the Highest-Grossing Biopic in History
The King of Pop’s billion-dollar big-screen story is headed to streaming.
“Michael,” the blockbuster biopic chronicling Michael Jackson’s journey from childhood performer to global superstar, will begin streaming exclusively on Starz on Aug. 10. The film will be available through the Starz app and its streaming and on-demand platforms, with its television premiere scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/PT that evening.
The streaming release follows a historic theatrical run for the Lionsgate production. “Michael” crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office in July, becoming the first biographical film to reach the milestone and the first billion-dollar release in Lionsgate’s history. The film earned approximately $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million internationally when it passed the mark.
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Jaafar Jackson Leads the Michael Jackson Biopic
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, “Michael” follows Jackson from his early performances with his brothers in the Jackson 5 through his emergence as one of the most influential entertainers in music history.
Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, makes his feature-film debut portraying the adult performer. Juliano Krue Valdi plays Jackson during his childhood years.
The film’s ensemble includes Colman Domingo as family patriarch Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross, while Larenz Tate appears as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.
The cast also features Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Jamal R. Henderson, Tre’ Horton, Rhyan Hill, Joseph David-Jones and Jessica Sula.
Starz describes the film as an intimate look at Jackson’s transformation from a child prodigy into a global icon while exploring the person behind the performances.
Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal became one of the film’s most closely watched elements because of his family connection and physical resemblance to his uncle.
Variety film critic Owen Gleiberman praised the newcomer for capturing “the look, the voice, the electrostatic moves,” as well as “the mixture of delicacy and steel that made Michael who he was.”
The film’s success has also fueled expectations that Lionsgate could continue the story in a sequel. Industry reports have indicated that the studio is expected to move forward with another installment covering additional chapters of Jackson’s life and career.
“Michael” Reaches a Wider Audience on Starz
The Aug. 10 streaming premiere will give viewers who missed the theatrical release another opportunity to see the film while allowing fans to revisit its recreations of Jackson’s performances and career-defining moments.
Starz is currently promoting subscriptions beginning at $5.99 per month. The platform lists the PG-13 film with a running time of two hours and seven minutes.
With more than $1 billion already earned worldwide, “Michael” enters its streaming era as a record-breaking commercial success—and possibly the opening act of a larger film franchise.
