Nia Long, Colman Domingo, and Jaafar Jackson take center stage on the April 2026 digital cover of ESSENCE magazine, spotlighting the trio ahead of the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by John Logan, chronicles the extraordinary rise of the global superstar from his early days as the young lead singer of the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana, to his reign as the legendary King of Pop.
Casting for the film began in January 2023, with Jaafar Jackson son of Jermaine Jackson ultimately stepping into the iconic role of his late uncle, Michael Jackson. Nia Long portrays the family matriarch, Katherine Jackson, while Colman Domingo takes on the role of the strict and ambitious patriarch, Joe Jackson.
Production officially kicked off in January 2024 after delays caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Despite the lengthy shoot, the cast developed a strong bond along the way.
“It was a really long shoot, so we had to genuinely love each other,” Nia shared, reflecting on the camaraderie behind the scenes. “For me, the goal was to honor Michael in a way that would excite the fans. We wanted to tell his story authentically, while also celebrating his legacy. Having Jaafar at the center of it all made it even more special because he’s truly an extension of the family.”
To prepare for the demanding role, the 29-year-old Jaafar dedicated nearly two and a half years to training with Michael’s original choreographers, mastering the intricate dance style that defined the superstar’s performances. Long recalled witnessing his dedication firsthand.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. Domingo echoed the sentiment, adding, “His work ethic is incredible. Watching him carry this role day after day was truly impressive.”
The biopic has been in development since November 2019, with Lionsgate officially announcing the project in February 2022. Rather than debuting on streaming, the studio opted for a global theatrical release, underscoring the scale of the story being told.
Michael is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026, distributed by Lionsgate in the United States and Universal Pictures internationally.
Images via Essence magazine
