Mumbai: Lionsgate has announced that the release of Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ will be delayed by several months. Originally scheduled to debut on April 18, 2025, the film will now premiere on October 3, 2025. The change comes at a busy time for Lionsgate, which also plans to release Aziz Ansari’s comedy ‘Good Fortune’ in the fall of 2025. The change in release date has sparked renewed excitement around the project, which stars the late pop star’s nephew Jafar Jackson in the lead role.
Jafar Jackson’s resemblance to his famous uncle has already garnered attention, and his role of Michael promises to offer a fresh perspective on the King of Pop’s life. The film also stars a talented cast including Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, ‘Michael’ will depict both the public and private life of Michael Jackson, offering a complex and intimate portrayal of the man behind the music. Written by John Logan, the film aims to balance Jackson’s talent with his struggles, giving fans an insider’s look at the artist’s personal and professional journey. Fuqua has expressed a deep personal connection to the project, noting Jackson had a significant impact on his life and career.
Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con in July, Fuqua shared his excitement, saying, “Michael was a huge part of my life, a huge impact on my career, an incredible artist — but he was a human being, and we’re exploring that.” The October release date gives Fuqua and his team more time to perfect the film. At CinemaCon in April, Lionsgate revealed that the Michael Jackson biopic would feature 30 of his most iconic songs, promising a soundtrack that would be central to the narrative. Producer Graham King emphasized that the film features more than just Jackson’s music, saying it will also explore his impact on the world and the challenges he faced as an artist and a person.
Along with ‘Michael’, Lionsgate will also release ‘Good Fortune’ on October 17, 2025. Written and directed by Aziz Ansari, the comedy tells the story of a good-hearted but goofy angel (played by Keanu Reeves) who tries to help a struggling gig worker (Ansari) and a successful venture capitalist (Seth Rogen). Starring a cast that includes Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh, ‘Good Fortune’ will offer a lighter, more comedic contrast to the emotionally charged drama of ‘Michael’.
