Michael is heading to streaming after a historic run at the global box office. The Michael Jackson biopic finally has an official streaming release date after becoming the highest-grossing biopic of all time. Fans will soon be able to watch the blockbuster film on Starz.
Starz has confirmed that Michael will begin streaming on August 10 via its app and on-demand platforms. It will also premiere on the television channel the same day at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
Lionsgate’s film became the highest-grossing biopic of all time, earning more than $1.01 billion worldwide. Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars in the Antoine Fuqua-directed movie, which holds an impressive 97% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes.
How Jaafar Jackson brought Michael Jackson’s story to the big screen
Jaafar made his feature film debut portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson. As a member of the Jackson family, he spent several months rehearsing and studying his uncle’s performances and dance style.
To make the performance as authentic as possible, Jaafar managed to recreate many of Michael Jackson’s concert performances. Reports suggest that Jaafar also sang some parts himself to complement the vocal track of Michael Jackson.
While some critics felt the film’s script was its weakest element, Jaafar’s electrifying performance stole the show. ComingSoon’s Jonathan Sim wrote in his review, “Jaafar doesn’t just mimic Michael Jackson’s dance style; he channels it. The precision, the fluidity, the almost supernatural control of movement—it’s all there. Watching him recreate Michael’s signature choreography feels like witnessing a resurrection of one of the greatest performers in music history.”
The film follows “American singer Michael Jackson, covering his childhood with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the Bad World Tour in the late 1980s.”
John Logan wrote the screenplay for Michael. Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain served as the producers. Besides Jaafar Jackson, the cast of the film includes Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, and Miles Teller.
