The biopic Michael isn’t just another celebrity documentary. It has already made history as the highest-grossing film of its kind. The movie crossed the $1 billion mark globally. Now, it has a permanent home.
Starz will be the exclusive first streaming service to host the film. If you are looking to watch the Michael Jackson biopic, this is the only place to start.
Who Actually Plays Michael Jackson?
The lead role goes to Jaafar Jackson. He is Michael’s nephew. This isn’t a case of lookalike casting alone. Jaafar spent years studying the man himself. He studied the mannerisms. He studied the choreography. He even studied the vocals.
The result is a performance that feels incredibly grounded.
The film tracks Michael from the beginning. We see the Jackson siblings in Gary, Indiana. We follow the move to Hayvenhurst in Encino, California. Janet isn’t part of this specific family portrait. The focus stays tight on the core group.
Supporting the story are heavy hitters. Colman Domingo plays father Joe. Nia Long plays mother Katherine. Larenz Tate appears as Motown founder Berry Gordy. Kendrick Sampson takes on the role of Quincy Jones.
There is a bodyguard named Bill Bray too. KeiLyn Durrel Jones plays him. He was Michael’s trusted protector.
The Music and the Moments
You will hear the hits. Songs from the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons fill the soundtrack. So do the solo tracks. But it goes deeper than just playing the records.
In some scenes, Jaafar Jackson sings live. Those vocals are blended with Michael’s original recordings. It is a subtle technical choice. It makes the performances feel alive.
The movie doesn’t shy away from the iconic imagery. You get the moonwalk debut. You see the Pepsi commercial accident. The Thriller video gets its moment. And yes, Bubbles the chimpanzee is there too.
It is a lot to pack into one narrative.
Where to Stream Michael?
There is no competing platform. Not for the initial release.
Starz secured the streaming rights. That makes them the definitive stop for this film. Once you have the subscription, you can dive into the story of the King of Pop.
It starts in Indiana. It ends with global fame. You get to see the family move. You get to see the chimp.
Are you ready to watch the man behind the myth?
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