“Michael” Ignites Early Access Premiere: Lionsgate Gives Fans a First Look at the King of Pop’s Story
The upcoming biographical film Michael is set to take center stage weeks before its official opening, as Lionsgate has announced exclusive Early Access screenings on April 22, 2026, offering audiences a first chance to experience the highly anticipated portrayal of Michael Jackson’s life. The film will open nationwide two days later, on April 24, 2026, marking one of the most anticipated theatrical releases of the year.
Presented as a one-night-only event, the Early Access screenings will be shown exclusively in premium formats including IMAX and Dolby, promising audiences a heightened cinematic experience that emphasizes the film’s musical performances and large-scale visuals. With limited showtimes available, the special screenings are designed to deliver an immersive first look at the film’s recreation of Jackson’s most iconic moments.
Tickets for these special screenings will go on sale beginning 6am PT / 9am ET tomorrow at all advance ticket sites.
Tickets for the film’s broader theatrical release will become available at a later date.
A Cinematic Portrait of a Global Icon
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by three-time Academy Award nominee John Logan, Michael aims to offer a sweeping look at the life and artistic evolution of one of the most influential entertainers in music history. The film follows Jackson’s journey from his early discovery as the standout lead of The Jackson 5 to his rise as a groundbreaking solo artist whose ambition reshaped the global music industry.
Rather than focusing solely on the stage, the film explores the formative years that shaped Jackson’s creativity and the relentless drive that pushed him to redefine pop stardom. The story promises to bring audiences behind the curtain of his life, balancing personal moments with recreations of the performances that helped cement his place as the King of Pop.
A Family Legacy on Screen
In a striking casting decision, Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson, will make his feature film debut portraying his uncle. The film also features a notable ensemble cast including Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones, each bringing key figures from Jackson’s life into the narrative.
Produced by Graham King, whose work on Bohemian Rhapsody helped redefine the modern music biopic, the project aims to balance spectacle with storytelling, presenting Jackson’s life as both a cultural phenomenon and a deeply personal journey.
Honoring a Cultural Turning Point
The announcement of the Early Access screenings arrives alongside a symbolic marketing moment tied to the legacy of Jackson’s music. To mark the anniversary of the debut of “Billie Jean” on MTV, Lionsgate partnered with Paramount Advertising’s branded content studio, Paramount Media Labs, to unveil the ticket announcement from the iconic MTV News desk, featuring legendary MTV VJ Bill Bellamy.
The moment commemorates a turning point in music history: “Billie Jean” became the first music video by a Black artist placed into heavy rotation on MTV, helping reshape representation in music television and accelerate Jackson’s global impact.
A Global Release Strategy
Following its U.S. debut through Lionsgate, Michael will roll out internationally via Universal Pictures, with distribution in Japan handled by Kino Films. The film’s global release underscores the lasting worldwide influence of Jackson’s music and cultural legacy.
With its blend of spectacle, biography, and musical history, Michael is positioning itself as more than a traditional biopic. The Early Access screenings serve as an invitation for fans to experience the story first — a cinematic event designed to celebrate the artist whose music and performances continue to resonate across generations.
