Michael Jackson Biopic Skips Allegations as Colman Domingo Explains the Focus on the Origin Story

The new music biopic traces Michael Jackson’s life from his early days with the Jackson 5 through his solo superstardom. Juliano Krue Valdi is cast as young Michael, while Jafaar Jackson—who plays the singer as an adult—steps into the role for the majority of the film, a casting choice noted for aligning with the real-life nephew-uncle connection.

Critics have not been kind to the movie, which sits at a 37% on Rotten Tomatoes from about 130 reviews at the time of reporting. The narrative moves from the 1960s to the peak era of Jackson’s career, culminating with the late-1980s Bad era, but it largely sidesteps the most controversial episodes of his life.

In particular, the film omits the sexual assault allegations that surrounded Jackson in the 1990s. The 1993 accusation led to a settlement, followed decades later by a reopened probe in 2003 and a high-profile 2005 trial in which Jackson was acquitted. Amid questions about why those chapters aren’t explored onscreen, star Colman Domingo has offered an explanation.

On the Today Show, Domingo described the movie as Michael Jackson’s origin story—a closer look at how he was raised, how he found his voice, and how he became a solo artist. He suggested the possibility of a sequel that might tackle the later, more controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, while emphasizing that the current film focuses on the early years and the making of Michael.

Domingo and Nia Long, who portrays Katherine Scruse-Jackson, also tempered expectations by noting they can’t confirm a sequel and that plans beyond this film haven’t been solidified. For audiences curious about what else might be explored, the team hinted at a potential future project but kept the emphasis on the origin narrative.

As viewers await the film’s box office performance, many are turning to the broader 2026 movie release calendar for what else is ahead.