Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer Breaks Record, Divides Fans

Los Angeles, November 9: The trailer for Michael, the upcoming biopic on Michael Jackson, has set the internet on fire, pulling in more than 116 million views within a day of release. The number marks the biggest trailer launch in Lionsgate’s history, and for a film still months away, it signals a level of public obsession few expected.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael follows Jackson’s journey from his early Motown years to his evolution into the global icon the world remembers. Playing him is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, who carries his uncle’s moves, tone, and posture so convincingly that fans have called the resemblance “unsettlingly perfect.”

The Trailer That Shook The Internet

The 90-second teaser doesn’t say much, but it doesn’t have to. Jaafar is stepping into the spotlight, a crowd screaming, and a voiceover about fame and price. That was enough to send social media into meltdown. According to Deadline, the trailer’s 24-hour view count overtook John Wick 4 and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, both Lionsgate releases that had previously held the record.

Lionsgate said the film aims to “humanise but not sanitise” Jackson’s story. It’s a promise that’s being met with both hope and suspicion. For some, that means finally seeing a film that treats the singer as a full person rather than a headline. For others, it’s just another Hollywood gloss-over.

Divided Audience Reaction

Fans have rushed to praise Jaafar Jackson’s transformation. Clips comparing him with footage of the real Michael are circulating everywhere, and most agree: it’s a near-perfect match. One Indian commenter summed it up simply, “It’s eerie, but it’s beautiful.”

Then there’s the other camp. Critics are wary that the film may avoid Jackson’s darkest chapters, from abuse allegations to his struggles with fame and identity. Euronews Culture reported the trailer “split audiences down the middle,” while Rolling Stone India noted it felt “oddly upbeat” for a man whose life was anything but simple.

The Indian Response

India’s reaction carries a particular charge. Michael Jackson wasn’t just a pop icon here he was a cultural phenomenon. His 1996 Mumbai concert still sits in memory as one of the most electric live events the country has seen. His dance language reshaped Bollywood choreography for decades.

That’s why local coverage has been intense. Mathrubhumi highlighted Jaafar’s uncanny likeness to his uncle, calling it “the stuff of goosebumps.” Livemint reported that Indian fans have flooded comment sections with tributes, many admitting they teared up watching the trailer. Still, not everyone’s buying into the sentiment. Some social media users are already wondering whether the movie will “dare to tell the truth” or stay in family-approved territory.

Why It Matters

For Lionsgate, these record-breaking numbers are gold. Trailer views don’t always translate into box-office power, but they do reflect global curiosity. Jackson’s name still commands fascination, nostalgia, and controversy, an unbeatable mix for studios, but a minefield for filmmakers.

Fuqua and Logan are veterans at handling complex characters, yet Jackson’s story sits in a league of its own. The pressure to honour his artistry while confronting his demons is immense. The studio’s message about not “sanitising” the truth will be tested with every new clip, interview, and press screening.

The Bigger Picture

Michael is slated for release on April 24, 2026, leaving months for global promotion. Early reports suggest Lionsgate is already in talks with streaming platforms for post-theatrical rights, with India expected to be a priority market given its historic fanbase.

Meanwhile, within the Jackson family, not everyone’s pleased. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, reportedly criticised Hollywood for “full-blown lies” about her father’s life, suggesting a divide over how his story should be told. If that friction grows, it could shadow the film’s rollout.

But for now, one thing’s clear: few cultural figures can ignite conversation like Michael Jackson. Even in a 90-second teaser, his myth and the unease around it still hold power. Whether Michael becomes a definitive portrait or just another polished tribute will depend on how much truth Fuqua dares to keep in frame.

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Ayesha Khan

Entertainment Correspondent – Ayesha@hindustanherald.in – Web

Covers films, television, streaming, and celebrity culture with a focus on storytelling trends.

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