Michael (2026): In what way does the film address Michael Jackson's legacy?

      After examining the lives of musical legends through films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and A Complete Unknown, Hollywood has turned its focus to the King of Pop with director Antoine Fuqua’s biopic, Michael. Jaafar Jackson takes on the lead role, portraying his uncle Michael Jackson. The film chronicles Michael's journey, beginning with his early performances with the Jackson 5 and extending to his remarkable solo career.

      With the significant legacy and controversies surrounding Jackson, Michael had considerable expectations to fulfill when telling the superstar's story on screen. As the first installment in a planned film duology about Michael Jackson, it effectively lays the groundwork for his narrative, delving into his complicated personality, strained familial relationships, and remarkable accomplishments as a musical artist.

      Character Portrayal of Michael

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      The film's initial act features actor Juliano Krue Valdi depicting the young singer. He skillfully captures the magic and struggles of the young star. The narrative then transitions to an adult Michael Jackson, with Jaafar seamlessly embodying his late uncle’s spirit. The stunning visuals and captivating choreography make Jaafar's musical performances resonate just as powerfully as those of the real Michael Jackson.

      While the musical numbers are dazzling, Michael also serves as a profound character exploration. Similar to his idol, Peter Pan, Michael Jackson is portrayed in this film as a perpetual child who never truly matured. The demanding work he faced in his early years hindered his ability to grow up like his peers. He struggled to relate to other children, who could only see him as a celebrity, prompting him to surround himself with animals he deemed friends, effectively turning his family home into a fantastical space akin to Jumanji.

      Moreover, Michael's quest for perfection as a celebrity led to deep insecurities. He sought to hide and manage his vitiligo and underwent cosmetic surgeries to achieve facial symmetry and a smaller nose. His attempts to maintain a youthful look through surgical alterations only highlighted his difficulty in maturing alongside others.

      The Jackson Family Dynamics

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      While the film focuses on Michael Jackson, it does not delve as deeply into the stories of his siblings. However, it does shed light on his troubled upbringing and the influence his parents had on his complex identity.

      The film particularly examines the toxic and abusive relationship Michael had with his father, Joe (Colman Domingo), who sought to profit from his children’s talents, stating he preferred this to working in a steel mill for the rest of his life. Joe imposes immense pressure on his children to be flawless, successful performers, aspiring to create a household name akin to Coca-Cola.

      Ironically, Joe pushes the family to participate in a Pepsi commercial, which culminates in the accident that burned Michael’s scalp, underscoring his destructive influence on his children. This reflects the real-life dynamic between Michael and his father, including instances of punishment that involved whip-like discipline.

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      In essence, if Michael embodies Peter Pan in this film, then his father is the villainous Captain Hook. Domingo’s portrayal of Joe provides a memorable presence through his manipulative charm and intimidating demeanor. Although Joe is depicted as a poor father, his actions stem from a desire to escape the socioeconomic challenges faced by Black Americans at that time.

      On the other hand, Nia Long, known for her role in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, delivers a touching performance as Michael’s mother, Katherine. Though she often appears passive, observing her husband’s domineering behavior, she eventually confronts him, supporting their son's desire for a solo career. KeiLyn Durrel Jones also adds emotional depth as Bill Bray, Michael’s security guard and a surrogate father figure.

      Michael’s Cultural Impact

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      A significant aspect of Michael Jackson's iconic status was his groundbreaking influence as a Black artist. The film devotes substantial attention to how Michael shattered racial and cultural barriers within the music industry.

      For instance, we witness Michael hiring members of rival gangs, the Bloods and Crips, to appear in the music video for "Beat It," aiming to promote love and unity through music. The real Jackson reportedly spent $150,000 of his own money to create the video in an effort to quell their violent rivalry.

      Additionally, we see Michael's milestone achievement in having his music and the "Thriller" video aired on MTV, a network that had previously marginalized Black artists out of fear of alienating certain viewers and aimed to feature music appealing to a broader audience.

      Consequently, we observe Michael dismantling these barriers, aided by a CBS Records executive portrayed by Mike Myers in a memorable cameo reminiscent of his role in Bohemian Rhapsody. This audacious move catapults Jackson to even greater heights, solidifying his superstar status.

      Allegations of Child Abuse

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