Movie Review: Michael (2026)

Michael (2026), directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, traces Michael Jackson’s life from his Jackson 5 years in the 1960s to the Bad tour in the late 1980s.

Main Casts:

Jaafar Jackson  - Michael Jackson

Juliano Krue Valdi -  young Michael

Colman Domingo -  Joseph Jackson (Michael's father)

Nia Long -  Katherine Jackson (Michael's mother)

Miles Teller -  John Branca (Michael's lawyer)

Synopsis

In 1966, steelworker Joseph Jackson formed the Jackson 5 with his sons, pushing them through strict rehearsals until they signed with Motown in 1969 and rose to national fame, moving from Gary, Indiana, to Encino, California. As the youngest member, Michael became the group’s focal voice, and by 1978, he began a solo career with Off the Wall, produced by Quincy Jones, though conflict with his controlling father deepened. Troubled by insecurity about his appearance and later by vitiligo, he underwent cosmetic surgery and dismissed Joseph as his manager in 1981. His 1982 album Thriller broke global sales records, further promoted by upbeat music videos and a widely celebrated performance of “Billie Jean,” while firm negotiations secured airtime on MTV. In 1984, a soft drink commercial accident left him with severe burns, leading to a legal settlement that he gave to charity. After recovering, he completed a final tour with his brothers before leaving the family act, and by 1988, he stood at the height of his fame during the Bad tour.

My Take:  Michael’s “Virgo” shadow and his quest for freedom

Nostalgia strikes

I grew up with the music of the Jackson 5, and my mother used to tell me that I would sing “Give Love on Christmas Day” when I was still a toddler. I was not much of a fan of the young Michael (MJ) or his brothers, and in our house, my sisters would listen to the Osmonds, especially Donny, whom my eldest sister swooned over. The Jackson 5 and the Osmonds were once rivals in the music scene during the ’70s.

However, in the mid-’80s, just as I entered high school, I discovered MJ’s Off the Wall album (released August 10, 1979, by Epic Records), and back then, we had cassette tapes. So, I bought my first MJ tape using my school lunch money. At the time, we had local artists like Gary Valenciano, with his half-Puerto Rican looks and whose moves and high notes were likened to MJ, and Aga Muhlach, who, in the ’80s, was starting his acting career in the coming-of-age movie, “Bagets” and was a huge MJ fan. There was also the dance trio The Tigers, led by now-host Jojo Alejar, who have been performing up to this day their signature funky moves and suave footwork—and I would practice those until I got them right, while also perfecting MJ’s moonwalk and shuffles.

MJ on my mind

I had not an inkling of MJ’s life, and with the absence of social media, there was no way for print media, radio, or TV to carry news of abuses among celebrities. If I remember it right, domestic violence or child abuse was not even discussed openly in the media.

But I am glad that MJ’s biopic, Michael has been created. I watched it twice—in a regular cinema and, a few days after, in IMAX. As MJ says, “Don’t stop till you get enough!”

Michael, the 2026 movie, is not only a tribute but, in a way, a vindication, especially as it has gained new fans among the current generation. The scandal MJ once endured no longer seems to weigh on these new audiences, nor on the loyal fans of the King of Pop.

MJ’s nephew and the film’s main star, Jaafar, was a revelation. At times, there were scenes where he looked like his uncle, spoke like him, and especially sang like him. Jaafar’s (debut) acting and transformation were so convincing that I cried in a few scenes and felt overwhelmed during his performances of Billie Jean, Beat It, and “Bad.”

There were at least three scenes where MJ asserted his freedom: first, when he discussed making a solo album and eventually fired Joseph, his father, as his manager; second, when he announced the breakup of the Jackson 5 during their final Victory concert, glancing at Joseph as he spoke; and third, just before he went on stage to perform Bad.

Virgo shining

MJ—born Michael Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958— is a Virgo, and being a Virgo is dutiful, almost to a fault. Based on the film, he withstood both physical and emotional pain for his family. Asserting that freedom takes courage, especially for a Virgo, whose mind often moves back and forth, as they respect authority (though not blindly) and strive to do what is right. That trait becomes harmful if boundaries are not kept.

Meanwhile, I appreciate how the film depicted MJ’s compassion, especially for children and those who are vulnerable or marginalized.

Compassion marred by controversy

Amid the child molestation scandal, he faced in the ’90s, MJ held his ground. Personally, I do not believe he was capable of harming children. Despite his troubled childhood, he seemed to choose the opposite path—to ease the suffering of children.

The film depicted how children naturally gravitated toward Michael, and how he, in turn, cared for them, especially those with physical afflictions. In one scene, when MJ spent time with a terminally ill child—talking about movies, animals, and connecting on a childlike level – in my appreciation, that scene suggested how he might have related to the young Gavin Arvizo, who was recuperating at a hospital (he had cancer) when he met MJ and was invited, along with his family, to Neverland .  In the hospital scene, MJ’s conversation with an ill boy took place within earshot of Bill Bray (Keilyn Durrel), MJ’s longtime bodyguard.

A peek into his inner world

As a Virgo, MJ is generous, giving not only his time but also his resources. Several times in the film, Michael expressed his desire to make the world better through music and collective effort. Virgos are natural healers, seeking harmony amid discord and justice for the needy and afflicted — traits they share with Libra. Incidentally, Michael has Libra in Jupiter, which may have explained his judgment in choosing the right people to help him reach his goals.

It is also a Virgo trait that his private space—his room in the film—was cluttered, as his mind was often occupied with ideas or personal concerns. Yet even in disorder, Virgos know where important things are kept. In the film, his files and demos were neatly arranged on a shelf, and he reminded his friend monkey, Bubbles, not to touch them—another familiar Virgo tendency.

Sensitive Pisces influence

Meanwhile, based on his birth chart, his Moon and ascendant were in Pisces (calculated from his birth time of 7:33 PM in Gary, Indiana), which may have made it difficult for him to say “no,” especially to those close to him. At the same time, his Pisces placements may have given him a deep tolerance for pain. His sense of defending the underprivileged also seemed central to his life’s purpose. As he said in the film, upon realizing his path: “This is what I was put on earth to do.”

It is not surprising that he created Neverland, given these Piscean traits—belief in fantasy, a magical world, and the need for a sanctuary when life becomes overwhelming.

Relatedly, I observe a “sad” pattern among Pisceans—many find themselves in troublesome, painful, or debilitating situations, such as being misunderstood or betrayed by people they trust, being injured, or falling ill. They tend to keep their pain, hurt, or infirmity hidden, choosing not to burden anyone until they can no longer endure it.

Wild speculation and farewell

As for the conspiracy theories that MJ is still alive—which may or may not be explored in a possible sequel—I would not be surprised if he had chosen to “disappear”, escaping the immense pressure he faced before his “exit” in 2009. His Scorpio placement in Neptune may suggest an unusual view of life and death, or the idea that life can emerge from death. Many Pisceans withdraw not out of fear, but because their nature is too tender for a harsh, material world.

If he were still alive—living under a different identity somewhere in West Asia or the Mediterranean or to a “A Place with No Name”, continuing charity work and writing songs for new artists—I wish him well.

More information about the movie can be seen here at the Lionsgate Publicity website

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