16 years after his departure, the King of Pop returns… to the cinema
This Wednesday, Michael, the biopic that promised to tell everything about the singer’s life, premiered in Mexico. But, spoiler: it doesn’t tell everything. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the film already has divided numbers: 38% of critics vs. 96% fans on Rotten Tomatoes. It grossed $18.5 million globally on its first day. What does that say about us? That we love Michael, but we also love to debate him.
Jaafar Jackson: the perfect clone?
The protagonist is Jaafar Jackson, 29 years old, son of Jermaine and the Colombian Alejandra Rodríguez. He underwent a nearly two-year casting to play his uncle. He had already released music in 2019 (the single Got Me Singing), but this is another level. Graham King couldn’t contain his excitement:
“When I saw Jaafar transformed into Michael it was exactly him!”
And yes, watching him dance gives chills—the good kind.
Scenarios that transport you to the 80s
The production recreated key locations like Tower Records and Toys “R” Us (remember that store?). For the Thriller scene, they used the same Los Angeles street where the original video was filmed in 1983. The costumes, designed by Marci Rodgers, include hand-embroidered jackets. And Lady Gaga lent pieces from her personal collection—because if anyone has Michael’s stuff, it’s her.
The script that was changed by lawyers
Originally, the film was going to touch on the child abuse allegations of 1993. The final scene showed Michael looking at a mirror with police car lights behind it—powerful, right? But the lawyers for his estate pointed out a clause in the agreement with the Chandler family and… goodbye legal drama. Now he focuses on his childhood with the Jackson 5 until the Bad World Tour. Censorship or protection? Up to you.
Fun facts that will blow your mind
1. Bubbles the chimpanzee
Pop’s most famous mascot appears thanks to CGI—because using a real chimpanzee would be very controversial today. She was born in 1983, accompanied Michael on tours and now lives (at 43 years old) in a sanctuary in Florida with a giraffe, a llama and a python that also appear in the film.
2. Janet said ‘no thanks’
Singer La Toya Jackson revealed that Janet “kindly declined” to be portrayed in the film. Her decision was respected by the family—although we all wanted to see her dance Rhythm Nation again.
In short: Michael is an imperfect but moving tribute—like the artist himself.
