The teaser trailer for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has shattered records, amassing an astounding 116.2 million views in its first 24 hours. This makes it the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic or concert movie in history. According to analytics firm WaveMetrix, the Michael trailer also marks the biggest 24-hour trailer launch in Lionsgate's history.
The Michael trailer significantly outperformed previous record-holders in the music biopic and concert film categories. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour previously held the top spot with 96.1 million views, followed by Bob Marley: One Love (60.1 million), Bohemian Rhapsody (57.6 million), and the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown (47.2 million). Within Lionsgate, the Michael trailer also achieved a major milestone, garnering over 30 million global views in its first six hours, surpassing John Wick: Chapter 4 by 50% during the same period.
Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, as the King of Pop. The film also features Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca. The biopic's official synopsis describes the film as an exploration of Michael Jackson's life beyond his music, tracing his journey from the Jackson Five to his rise as a global icon. The film will highlight both his life off-stage and some of his most iconic performances.
The overwhelming response to the trailer suggests significant anticipation for the film, which is slated for release on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson noted that "People have been waiting a long time for this," and that viewers are "stunned with Jaafar's performance". Early reactions to Jaafar Jackson's portrayal have been positive, with many describing it as "spine-tingling" and "uncannily authentic".
While trailer views don't guarantee box office success, the Michael trailer's record-breaking numbers are a promising sign. Bohemian Rhapsody, for example, earned over $900 million worldwide, though other recent music biopics have typically grossed under $300 million. The success of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, a concert film, which grossed $267.1 million, further demonstrates the potential for music-related films. Whether Michael can translate its trailer's popularity into similar box office success remains to be seen. However, the initial response indicates that audiences are eager to see Michael Jackson's story brought to life on the big screen.
