Michael (2026) is Antoine Fuqua's biographical drama about pop star Michael Jackson. It is now the exclusive subscription streaming title on Starz. It traces his rise from Jackson 5 lead to global entertainer, stars Jaafar Jackson, runs 130 minutes, divided critics, and needs a Starz subscription.
The Universal/Peoples Movies release report dates the U.S. theatrical launch to April 24, 2026. mxdwn Movies links its Starz move to a $1 billion-plus global box-office run.
Table of Contents
- What story does Michael tell?
- Who leads the cast?
- How long is it and how was it received?
- How to watch it on Starz?
What story does Michael tell?
Lionsgate's official synopsis, shared via Bleeding Cool in the Lionsgate trailer report, frames Michael beyond music alone. It follows his discovery as Jackson 5 lead through his pursuit of becoming the biggest entertainer in the world. That focus keeps performance, family pressure, and ambition at the center.
BBN Times notes the story ends around the 1988 Bad tour. It stops before later child sexual-abuse allegations. Critics cited that cutoff as a sanitized portrait, so viewers seeking full controversy coverage will not find it here.
Who leads the cast?
When To Stream credits Michael Jackson to real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson in his film debut. Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson.
The same cast listing adds Miles Teller, Laura Harrier and Juliano Krue Valdi. The mix pairs a newcomer center with veteran family figures. Expect attention to stay on Jackson and his parents.
How long is it and how was it received?
AMC listing data, reported by ComingSoon in the runtime report, lists PG-13 and 2 hours 10 minutes. That 130-minute length matches Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman. It fits one focused evening viewing.
Wikipedia's aggregation of Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic shows a sharp split. About 38% of 307 critics were positive, averaging 4.9/10, with 39/100 on Metacritic from 51 critics. Audiences scored it about 94-97%.
How to watch it on Starz?
USA Today reports in the Starz streaming guide that Starz became the exclusive subscription home on Aug. 10, 2026. The film is available through the Starz app and on-demand platforms.
A linear TV premiere aired at 7 p.m. ET/PT that day, after PVOD purchase and rental from June 9. mxdwn Movies notes viewers need a Starz subscription to stream it at no extra film fee. That follows its $1 billion-plus run as the highest-grossing music biopic ever.
- Confirm an active Starz subscription for streaming at no extra film fee.
- Open the Starz app or your provider's Starz on-demand section.
- Choose Michael from the Aug. 10, 2026 lineup or search by title.