Jaafar Jackson is “Unreal”: 7 Shocking Reasons Why the Michael Jackson Biopic is Polarity in Motion

Michael Jackson Biopic : The world has been waiting for a definitive cinematic portrait of the King of Pop, and on April 10, 2026, the wait finally ended as Michael made its grand world premiere in Berlin. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by Academy Award nominee John Logan, the film arrives with a staggering budget of $200 million and the heavy weight of a global legacy. However, as the first reviews pour in following the star-studded Los Angeles premiere, a fascinating divide has emerged: while Jaafar Jackson’s performance is being hailed as a supernatural reincarnation, the film itself is facing a brutal drubbing from critics for its “sanitized” storytelling.

1. Jaafar Jackson’s Transformation: A Star is Born

The undisputed highlight of the film is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s own nephew, making his acting debut. Taking on the role of the most famous entertainer in history is no small feat, but early reactions suggest that Jaafar has achieved the impossible.

Netizens and critics alike are using words like “unreal” and “tremendous” to describe his portrayal. One social media user noted, “Jaafar Jackson is tremendous in MICHAEL, truly making you forget he isn’t the real thing. It’s an off-the-charts performance.” Even critics who disliked the movie couldn’t deny his magnetism. Observers have pointed out that while his voice was digitally assisted to match Michael’s iconic pitch, his demeanor, dance moves, and overall presence are uncanny. He doesn’t just mimic the moves; he inhabits the soul of the performer.

2. The Rotten Tomatoes Slump: A 35% Disappointment

Despite the hype, the critical consensus has been surprisingly harsh. The film debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a dismal 27% rating, which eventually crawled up to 35% after more reviews were filed.

For a film produced by Graham King—the man behind the $900 million success of Bohemian Rhapsody—these numbers are a cold shower. Critics are calling it “bland” and comparing it to a “daytime TV movie.” The BBC was particularly ruthless, echoing MJ’s own lyrics to describe the quality: “It’s bad. It’s bad. It’s really, really bad.”

3. The “Sanitized” Storytelling Controversy

The primary grievance among professional reviewers is that Michael avoids the very complexities that made Michael Jackson such a fascinating, albeit controversial, figure. The Guardian labeled the film “frustratingly shallow,” arguing that it fails to explore the darker corners of his life, including his relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, and the loss of his childhood.

Critics are describing the screenplay as a “Wikipedia article” come to life—hitting the major milestones but offering no psychological depth. By painting Michael as an “infallible protagonist,” the film reportedly misses the chance to humanize him, opting instead to play it safe for the sake of the estate and the fans.

4. Musical Brilliance vs. Dramatic Void

If there is one thing everyone agrees on, it’s the music. With full access to Jackson’s iconic catalog, the musical sequences are said to be “superbly recreated.” From the Motown days with the Jackson 5 to the solo era of Thriller and Bad, the film is a feast for the ears.

However, many feel the film relies too heavily on these performances. “Fans will love the musical performances, but there’s sadly no humanity behind them,” wrote one reviewer. The film is being viewed by some as a “cruise-ship entertainment” piece—high on spectacle but low on soul.

5. Comparison to Bohemian Rhapsody

Because Graham King produced both films, comparisons were inevitable. Yet, critics claim that Michael makes Bohemian Rhapsody look like a “complex, nuanced character study.” While the Freddie Mercury biopic was also accused of being slightly sanitized, it still managed to capture a sense of the man’s inner drive. Michael, by contrast, is being called an “aimless Wiki-plod” that fails to explain what actually drove Jackson to become the King of Pop.

6. Key Omissions: Where is Janet?

One of the most surprising critiques coming out of the early screenings is the “noticeable absence” of key figures, most notably Janet Jackson. As one of the most successful artists in her own right and a vital part of the Jackson family dynamic, her lack of a significant role in the film has left some viewers feeling that the “official” version of the story is missing too many pieces of the puzzle.

7. The Box Office Outlook: Will Fans Save It?

While critics are sharpening their pens, the audience’s reaction might be entirely different. The film is scheduled for a US release on April 24, 2026. Historically, biopics of musical icons are “critic-proof” (as seen with Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis).

The $200 million budget means Lionsgate and Universal Pictures need a massive global turnout. Given the “unreal” buzz surrounding Jaafar Jackson’s performance and the timeless appeal of Michael’s music, the film is still expected to be a major commercial contender, even if it fails to win over the elite critics.

Michael Jackson Biopic : Final Specifications & Release Details

As we move closer to the wide release, the conversation around Michael remains as polarized as the man himself. Is it a masterpiece of performance or a missed opportunity for truth? One thing is certain: you won’t be able to look away from Jaafar Jackson.