Thescreescore – Miles Teller has offered a lighthearted response to the viral images showcasing his transformation for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. The Whiplash star is set to portray John Branca, Jackson’s long-time manager, in the highly anticipated film helmed by Antoine Fuqua, which promises to delve into the complex life, unparalleled fame, and enduring legacy of the King of Pop.
Backed by Lionsgate and produced with the full cooperation of the Jackson estate, Michael has already ignited considerable buzz, fueled by its initial trailer and intriguing casting choices. The film boasts a cast including Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role, alongside Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.
While promoting his upcoming A24 film, Eternity, Teller addressed the online fervor surrounding his appearance in an interview with thescreescore.com’s Liam Crowley. With a touch of amusement, he stated, "It’s just a wig. I’m like, not online too much, but some people were telling me." Teller further teased the film, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail invested in the hair and makeup departments and praising Jaafar Jackson’s performance. He hinted that audiences are in for a surprise, stating, "people are going to freak out."
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Teller elaborated, "We did some stuff. Honestly, that hair and makeup team, the attention to detail, obviously, the Michael estate is heavily involved. Jafaar, his nephew who is playing Michael, people are going to freak out. He put so much… He had so much natural Michael Jackson DNA in him, but the time he put in, like several years before cameras started rolling. So yeah, I’m excited."
Michael has been in development for several years, with Fuqua previously describing it as both a celebration and a critical examination of Jackson’s life and impact. The film is expected to chronicle Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his meteoric rise to global superstardom, as well as the controversies that shadowed his career.
While originally slated for an October 2025 release, production faced delays due to legal hurdles and the need for significant revisions to the third act, necessitating reshoots. Reports from April also suggested the possibility of splitting the film into two parts. Currently, Michael is scheduled to hit theaters on April 24, 2026.
If the initial teaser and early reactions are any indication, Michael has the potential to become one of the most celebrated musical biopics in recent memory. With the Jackson estate’s involvement and a cast that blends family legacy with compelling performances, Fuqua’s film is poised to honor and thoughtfully re-examine the complex life of an iconic figure in pop culture.
Teller’s remarks also underscore the growing anticipation surrounding Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, which has already garnered significant attention due to his striking physical transformation, a testament to the skill of the hair and makeup team. As Michael approaches the end of production and its eventual release, its combination of meticulous detail, emotional storytelling, and star power positions it as a major cinematic event for 2026.
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