AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson as the legendary pop icon, has begun to receive its first reactions from early audiences. Set for a theatrical release on April 24, 2026, the film has generated buzz amid some controversy surrounding its portrayal of the star, who faced serious allegations during his lifetime. Despite this, the movie is expected to open strongly at the U.S. box office with a projected debut around $60 million, potentially securing the second-largest opening weekend ever for a music biopic, just shy of the $60.2 million made by Straight Outta Compton.

The world premiere took place on April 10 in Berlin, coinciding with a multi-day fan festival celebrating the film. Early viewers were invited to share their spoiler-free thoughts on social media, where the overall sentiment was positive, though some noted issues with the story’s pacing and conclusion. Below are some of the standout reactions from critics and fans alike.

Liam Crowley of ScreenRant described Michael as “why we go to the movies,” highlighting the film’s faithful recreation of iconic hits like “Thriller” and “Beat It.” He noted moments that made him involuntarily tap his head or fingers, praising the film’s emotional range and the strong supporting performance by Colman Domingo. He acknowledged minor pacing problems but expressed excitement to experience the film with an audience, ending his comment with a playful “HEE HEE.”

Hunter Bolding applauded the performances, calling Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal “ELECTRIC” and Colman Domingo’s depiction of Joe Jackson “monstrous.” He felt that while the ending could have been stronger, the journey through the film was “fascinating and fitting of the greatest entertainer of our time.”

Reviewer Junior Felix went as far as to call Michael “one of the best music biopics I’ve ever seen,” emphasizing the dazzling and mesmerizing quality of Jaafar Jackson’s performance. He also praised Colman Domingo as spectacular and noted the film’s incredible musical sequences as a major highlight, recommending it as a must-watch.

The official Michael X Instagram account posted a video from the red carpet where fans described the film in one word, with responses including “phenomenal,” “amazing,” “perfect,” “magical,” and “awesome.” One fan named Gage summarized the movie simply as “PURE AWESOMENESS” and specifically complimented both Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo for their performances.

On Letterboxd, user Joe J. Walker mentioned that the “Human Nature” scene created a “spiritual awakening,” referring to a key sequence featuring the 1982 hit by Michael Jackson. Another Letterboxd review by a user named Tom remarked, “It’s definitely not a thriller,” playing off the title of one of Jackson’s most famous songs.

While the critical and commercial success of Michael remains to be fully seen, these early reactions suggest that the film could build strong word-of-mouth momentum following its opening weekend. This is particularly significant given the competitive summer movie landscape, which will include releases such as The Devil Wears Prada 2 on May 1 and the Mandalorian and Grogu series launching on May 22.

The production budget for Michael is estimated at a minimum of $150 million, with the break-even point for such a large-scale Hollywood film likely around $375 million. However, as a Lionsgate production, the studio is known for mitigating costs through international pre-sales, which may ease the financial pressure somewhat.

The film’s soundtrack is expected to be a significant source of additional revenue. Featuring nearly continuous Michael Jackson music, from chart-toppers like “Bad,” “Ben,” “Billie Jean,” “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” and “Beat It” to Top 10 classics including “Thriller” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” the movie connects with fans across multiple platforms simultaneously, enhancing its commercial prospects.

With Jaafar Jackson receiving widespread acclaim for embodying his iconic uncle, and Colman Domingo praised for his role as Joe Jackson, the film has drawn attention for its performances even amid some debate about its narrative choices. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build around how audiences and critics alike will respond to this emotional journey through the life and career of one of music’s greatest entertainers.

Ultimately, Michael aims to capture both the triumphs and complexities of its subject, delivering a cinematic experience filled with memorable music, strong performances, and emotional resonance. The film’s success in theaters over the coming weeks will be closely watched as it faces competition and strives to leave a lasting cultural impact.