The long-awaited Michael has officially opened in U.S. theaters on April 24, 2026, bringing the story of Michael Jackson back to the big screen - and sparking strong reactions from critics.
The first installment of the two-part biopic currently holds a 27% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a largely negative - though deeply divided - critical response.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film traces Jackson's early journey from Gary, Indiana, to global stardom. But while expectations were high, critics say the film delivers a mixed result, balancing technical strengths with notable narrative limitations.
At the center of the praise is Jaafar Jackson's performance, widely described as the film's standout. Reviewers have called his portrayal "uncanny" and "electrifying," noting how convincingly he captures Jackson's voice, movement, and stage presence.
The film's musical sequences are also earning strong marks. Critics highlight the concert recreations as visually dynamic and emotionally engaging - moments where the film fully comes alive and reminds audiences of Jackson's unmatched artistry.
However, much of the critical response focuses on what the film leaves out.
Several outlets describe Michael as "sanitized" and overly protective of its subject, suggesting it avoids the deeper complexities and controversies that defined Jackson's life. Others label it formulaic, following a familiar rise-to-fame structure without offering fresh insight into the man behind the music.
Some critics have gone further, calling the film a "hagiography" - a reverential portrayal that prioritizes legacy over interrogation - resulting in a story that feels visually polished but emotionally restrained.
Still, not all reactions are dismissive. A number of reviewers acknowledge the difficulty of capturing a figure as vast and influential as Michael Jackson, noting that this first chapter may serve primarily as a foundation for a more complete and nuanced continuation in the second film.
In the end, Michael arrives as both a cinematic event and a conversation starter - one that revisits a global icon while raising broader questions about how legacy, truth, and storytelling intersect on screen.
