Michael Jackson super-fans have much to celebrate this morning, as Lionsgate has rolled out the most detailed look yet at Antoine Fuqua’s Michael, a hotly anticipated biopic depicting key moments from the late King of Pop’s life.
Jaafar Jackson, MJ’s nephew, stars in the title role. He’s joined in the cast by Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. The latter actor, known for his acclaimed work in Euphoria and Sing Sing, plays Michael's father, Joe Jackson.
The Vampire Diaries and Insecure actor Kendrick Sampson is also part of the larger ensemble, taking on the role of Quincy Jones, who produced three classic MJ albums including Thriller. The decorated musician died last year at 91.
“I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this,” Sampson’s Jones is heard saying early into the minute-plus teaser released Thursday. “The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top. This is your story. Honor your past and embrace the future. That’s what people want.”
Up top, see the newly released teaser trailer. Michael is in theaters on April 24.
Fuqua, whose past work includes Training Day and the Equalizer trilogy, has described Michael as “the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop.” The film was previously scheduled to arrive this year, though its release was ultimately delayed. At one point, there was talk of the film potentially being divided into two parts.