The new Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has arrived in theaters, offering a visually stunning portrayal of the "King of Pop" while simultaneously igniting a firestorm of controversy. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson Michael’s real-life nephew the film focuses on the artist’s meteoric rise from the Jackson 5 to his 1988 "Bad" world tour.
A Commercial Triumph Amid Critical Skepticism
Initial box office reports suggest a massive success, with a North American debut tracking toward $95 million. This would set a record for musical biopics, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody and Straight Outta Compton. Fans have praised the production’s attention to detail, particularly Jaafar Jackson’s uncanny mimicry of his uncle’s vocals and dance moves.
However, critics remain divided. The film currently holds a 39% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The primary criticism is the film’s "straightforward" approach, which largely ignores the serious allegations of child sexual abuse that shadowed Jackson’s later life. By ending the narrative in 1988, the film avoids the legal battles of 1993 and 2005 entirely.
Internal Family Friction
The production, authorized by the Jackson estate, has also faced criticism from within the family. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, recently clarified that she had "zero involvement" in the project. She expressed concerns that the script "panders" to a specific section of the fandom and "sugar-coats" the reality of her father's life. "The narrative is being controlled" she stated on social media, noting that her notes on early script drafts were ignored.
The Legacy Debate
Documentary filmmaker Dan Reed, who directed Leaving Neverland, has been a vocal critic of the biopic. Reed argues that telling an "authentic" story of Jackson is impossible without acknowledging his accusers. Conversely, director Antoine Fuqua has defended the film's focus on the music and the artist's creative journey, suggesting that some allegations were motivated by financial gain.
As the estate maneuvers to protect a multi-billion dollar brand recently evidenced by a $600 million catalog sale to Sony the film serves as a powerful tool in reclaiming Jackson’s public image.
For audiences, Michael offers a "front-row seat" to the artistry, even as it leaves the most difficult questions of his legacy off-screen.
