Michael, the upcoming American musical biopic, is based on the life of the insanely popular artist, Michael Jackson, whose fame is a case study. With 90 million certified albums sold, the striking ‘Moonwalk’, worldwide acclaim, and many record-breaking performances to his name, the singer, songwriter, and dancer is a legend in the music world.
As a teenager, I remember memorising the lyrics to ‘Earth Song’ and grooving to ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’. Fans of Michael Jackson and his music are in for a concert-like spectacle that takes you on a ride from his childhood to the peak of his career, wherein he sold out stadiums for his solo concerts at record-breaking capacity.
Michael: Plot, cast, release date and more
Hitting the theatres worldwide on April 24, 2026, the Michael film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. As a biographical musical drama, special care has been taken to recreate iconic moments and authentic locations, featuring intense dance rehearsals and a 2.5-hour high-octane format.
Michael stars Jaafar Jackson, nephew of Michael Jackson, as the ‘King of Pop’, paying homage to his late uncle. Tracing the pop singer’s journey, the movie takes us through MJ’s childhood, being the star of the Jackson 5 with his brothers; times of abuse by his father, Joe Jackson; the inspiration and process of his all-time hit ‘Thriller’; buying Neverland Valley; and his tragic demise on June 25, 2009.
Produced in collaboration with the Michael Jackson estate, the official Michael trailer was released in February 2026. We see Jaafar Jackson zestfully playing his uncle’s part, with Kat Graham as Diana Ross; Miles Teller as John Branca; Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson; and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, amongst other cast and crew members.
Michael: Where was the film shot
Over the duration of 5 months, from January 22, 2024, to May 30, 2024, Michael was shot across various real-life locations and studio setups in California.
Neverland Ranch, Los Olivos, California, USA
The most significant and grand shooting location of the movie Michael is the Neverland Ranch, the lavish home of MJ from 1988 to 2005. Spread over a vast 2,700-acre estate, he even set up an amusement park on the property. The American musical was shot here to show Michael’s epic purchase and lifestyle.
- Address: 5225 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, California 93441.
Hayvenhurst, Encino, California, USA
The Jackson family, after the fame of the Jackson 5, bought their family home on Hayvenhurst Avenue. This historic neighbourhood is the place where Michael Jackson and his siblings grew up. Right from his journey as a child artist to developing the ‘Moonwalk’ and recording hit songs, this home in the American musical biopic, Michael, provides a nostalgic peek into his younger days.
- Address: 4641 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino, California, USA
Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA
Ethereal Beaux-Arts architecture blooms at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, which has also been a major filming location for the movie Michael. Shining as one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles since 1923, the luxury downtown hotel has provided its warm hospitality to countless dignitaries and celebrities, from President John F. Kennedy to The Beatles. Stay at The Biltmore on your next vacation to LA and wake up to the stunning view of Pershing Square.
- Address: 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States
Streets Of Los Angeles
Keeping authenticity at its peak, director Antoine Fuqua shot ‘Thriller’ at its original location in the lanes of Los Angeles. Spots that you can actually visit are the Palace Theatre, where the opening scene was filmed; Union Pacific Avenue & S Calzona Street, where the zombie sequence takes place; 1345 Carroll Avenue, to see the final house shot; and some snippets shot at Rialto Theatre and Vernon Warehouse. Additionally, MJ’s legendary Motown 25 show was filmed at the original Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles.
- Address: Union Pacific Ave, California 90023, USA
Sony Pictures Studios
Sony Pictures Studios, the American television and film studio complex, became an important film location for the Michael movie, where his personal and filler scenes were shot. Located in Culver City, California, those of you looking to deep dive into Hollywood shooting sets can take the two-hour guided Sony Pictures Studio Tour. Apart from the studio, reconstructions of stadium shows were filmed in Los Angeles to portray the mad, record-breaking musical and dance performances of the legendary King of Pop.
- Address: 10202 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City, California, USA
(Feature image credit: IMDb)
This article first appeared here
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
