In a night that paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson, Lionsgate hosted the US premiere of MICHAEL at the Dolby Theatre, which welcomed over 3,300 in audience and more than 900 at the TCL Chinese Theatre along with red carpet, activations and fanfare extending across Hollywood Blvd. A black glitter carpet set the electric tone from the outset of the night! In attendance were stars Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, Miles Teller, Kendrick Sampson, Mike Myers, and Deon Cole, alongside director Antoine Fuqua, screenwriter John Logan, and producers Graham King, John Branca. The Jackson Family was also in attendance Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Katherine Jackson and Prince Jackson.
Support for Michael and the film drew a star-studded carpet of attendees including Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Usher, Martin Lawrence, Ron Isley, Magic Johnson, Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, SZA, Stephen A. Smith, Karrueche, Niecy Nash, Bobby Brown, Jason Derulo, Mario, Wale, Vivica A. Fox, Kenan Thompson, Mario Lopez, Derek Hough, Raven Symone, Kai Cenat, Chloe Kim, Myles Garrett, Evan Ross, Garcelle Beauvais, Kathy Hilton, Yvette Nicole Brown, Tori Spelling, Jon Voight, Dwight Howard, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mookie Betts, Michael “Venom” Page, Elisa Donovan, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson. The event also featured a Getty Images portrait studio, D-Nice at the DJ booth, and Bill Bellamy hosted on-stage interviews for MTV on the carpet.
Following the screening, as the end credits rolled, guests continued to dance, sing and cheer in the theater along to Michael’s music. When the cast and filmmakers took the stage, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation. Star Jaafar Jackson closed out the evening with a few heartfelt remarks: “Most importantly, I just hope that my uncle, Michael, is smiling from up above.”
The night brought together talent, filmmakers, celebs, MJ-fans and audiences all in a shared celebration of the MICHAEL movie and Michael’s lasting impact on music and culture.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR MICHAEL
IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON APRIL 24
FANS CAN ALSO EXPERIENCE THE FILM EARLY WITH ONE-NIGHT-ONLY EARLY ACCESS SCREENINGS ON APRIL 22
IN PREMIUM FORMATS, INCLUDING IMAX AND DOLBY
Synopsis: MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
Lionsgate presents, in association with Universal Pictures, a GK Films production, an Optimum production.
Genre: Drama, Musical
Rating: PG-13 for some thematic material, language, and smoking
U.S. Release Date: April 24, 2026
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Written by: John Logan
Produced by: Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, special appearance by Mike Myers, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo
