‘Michael’ Debuts to Low Rotten Tomatoes Score, Critics React Strongly

The new Michael has opened to strong criticism after early reviews were published online. The film, which tells the life story of Michael Jackson, is currently sitting at around 27% on Rotten Tomatoes based on dozens of critic reviews.

The project is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It follows Jackson’s early years, starting from his time with the Jackson 5 and moving into his rise as a solo artist. The film uses a familiar biopic format and focuses heavily on music performances and major career moments.

One of the most talked-about choices in the movie is the casting of Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, who plays the lead role in his first film performance. The cast also includes names such as Miles Teller and Colman Domingo, along with Nia Long and Laura Harrier in supporting roles.

The film took several years to develop. It was first announced in 2019 when producers secured rights to Jackson’s life story. After that, Lionsgate confirmed the project in 2022. The film moved forward with casting in 2023 and 2024, followed by production delays caused by industry strikes. Filming later wrapped in 2024, with additional work completed in 2025 before release.

It premiered in Berlin on April 10, and is set for a wider release later in April.

Critics have now shared a wide range of opinions, but the overall reaction is mostly negative. Many reviews say the film feels incomplete and avoids deeper parts of Jackson’s personal life. Several critics point out that while the musical performances are strong, the story itself does not fully explore its main subject.

One critic wrote that the film is too careful with its subject. They said, “It treats Michael with a high level of respect to a fault, barely skimming the surface of many of its more interesting ideas, and ultimately serves as half a movie.” This reflects a common complaint that the film does not go far enough in telling a full story.

Another reviewer said the film avoids emotional depth. They wrote, “This is a movie terrified to explore the interiority of its protagonist.” According to this view, the film may still appeal to fans who want to see familiar moments from Jackson’s career, but not to viewers looking for deeper insight.

Some critics also compared the film to other music biopics and said it relies too much on familiar patterns. They say it feels like a collection of highlights rather than a full narrative. Others argue that the structure is uneven and makes the story hard to follow.

There are a few more positive reactions as well. Some reviewers praise Jaafar Jackson’s performance and say he is convincing in the role. A few also say the film works better as a tribute to the music than as a full biography. One reviewer noted that fans of Jackson may still enjoy the experience, even if the film is not very deep.

Still, the general critic response remains negative overall. Most agree that while the film has strong visual and musical moments, it does not fully succeed as a complete biopic.

This film shows how difficult it is to make a biopic about a global figure like Michael Jackson. There is always pressure to respect the legacy while still telling an honest story. Here, critics feel the balance was not right. What do you think about biopics like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.