The 2026 film “Michael” is an upcoming biopic based on the life of the legendary pop icon Michael Jackson. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, and the lead role of Michael Jackson is being played by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, who is making his big-screen debut with this film.
Main Cast
- Jaafar Jackson – as Michael Jackson. Being Michael’s nephew and part of the famous Jackson family, Jaafar was chosen to portray the King of Pop.
- Juliano Krue Valdi – as Young Michael Jackson.
- Colman Domingo – as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father.
- Nia Long – as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother.
- Miles Teller – as John Branca, Michael’s manager.
- Other supporting cast members include Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, and Derek Luke, who will play important roles in the story.
Estimated Salaries
- The total budget of Michael is expected to be around $100–150 million (approximately ₹800 crore or more), making it one of the most expensive music biopics ever made.
- Jaafar Jackson, who plays the lead role, is reportedly earning around ₹10 crore (estimated) for his performance.
- Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long are also expected to earn between ₹4–8 crore each, depending on their role and experience.
- A large portion of the film’s budget is dedicated to the cast and crew salaries, following California’s film industry labour rules.
Also Read: Now You See Me 3 Cast Salary and Budget
About the Film
The film Michael will cover the pop legend’s life from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his rise as the King of Pop. It will show his family life, musical journey, challenges, and his path to becoming a global superstar.
The movie was filmed in California, involving around 65 main actors and 300 crew members. The production reportedly finished in 80 days.
Summary Table
| Actor | Role | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Jaafar Jackson | Michael Jackson | ₹10+ crore (approx.) |
| Juliano Krue Valdi | Young Michael Jackson | ₹1–2 crore (approx.) |
| Colman Domingo | Joe Jackson | ₹5–8 crore (approx.) |
| Nia Long | Katherine Jackson | ₹4–7 crore (approx.) |
| Miles Teller | John Branca | ₹5–8 crore (approx.) |
Conclusion
The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” aims to bring the story of one of the world’s greatest entertainers to the big screen. With a high production budget, a talented cast, and Jaafar Jackson’s much-awaited performance, this film is expected to be one of the biggest musical biopics in history.
Jaafar’s portrayal of his uncle will be closely watched, making both his performance and salary major talking points ahead of the film’s release.