The momentum behind Michael has reached an astonishing new high. Lionsgate has officially confirmed that the latest trailer for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has shattered records, becoming the most-watched trailer ever released for a music biopic—and one of the most viewed film trailers of the past decade.
The announcement was made during Lionsgate’s recent investor earnings call, where studio executives revealed what fans had already been witnessing across social media platforms. According to the studio, the Michael trailer didn’t just outperform every other music biopic—it surpassed all internal benchmarks at Lionsgate. When views across YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok, and other platforms were aggregated, the trailer emerged as the most-viewed in the studio’s entire history. Executives described the numbers as nothing short of “extraordinary.”
This record-breaking achievement underscores the immense global anticipation surrounding Michael, which is rapidly shaping up to be one of the most significant cinematic events of 2026. Since its release, the trailer has sparked intense discussion worldwide, with fans praising its emotional depth, cinematic scale, and reverence for Michael Jackson’s legacy. Many viewers highlighted the trailer’s ability to balance spectacle with intimacy, offering glimpses of both the icon’s unparalleled artistry and the complexities of the man behind the music.
Adding to the excitement, Lionsgate also confirmed that early test screenings for the film are already underway—and the initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Studio executives noted that reactions from multiple international regions have been “extraordinarily positive,” pointing to the film’s strong global appeal. One executive remarked that “everything is in a very strong place,” adding that the level of enthusiasm feels unusually aligned across markets, while still maintaining the cautious optimism typical of a studio preparing for a potential worldwide phenomenon.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael explores several defining eras of the King of Pop’s life, tracing his journey from prodigious talent to global icon. The film aims to present a nuanced portrait that celebrates Jackson’s artistic genius while acknowledging the personal struggles and pressures that came with unprecedented fame.
At the center of the film is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, whose portrayal has already drawn widespread acclaim. Viewers have been particularly struck by his physical resemblance, vocal authenticity, and commanding performance presence seen in the released footage.
With a record-shattering trailer, glowing early reactions, and unparalleled global interest, Michael is quickly cementing its place as one of the most talked-about films on the horizon—proving once again that Michael Jackson’s impact remains truly timeless.
