Michael Biopic Uses CGI for Bubbles While Real Chimp Thrives at Sanctuary

The 2026 Lionsgate biopic “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, renders Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee Bubbles with computer-generated imagery. CGI also depicts the singer’s llama, giraffe and python. In an early scene, Jackson’s mother Katherine cautions, “Michael, you do know that chimps are wild animals that don’t belong in a house in Encino?”

Just Jared

Jackson rescued Bubbles from a Texas research facility in the early 1980s. The chimp toured with the star, served as a plus-one at lawyer John Branca’s wedding, and shared tea during a 1987 visit to Japan. At Neverland Ranch, Bubbles slept in a crib in Jackson’s bedroom before a trainer cared for him as he grew larger and more aggressive.

Michael Jackson’s Chimpanzee Bubbles: Where Is the 43-Year-Old Animal Now?

Since 2005 Bubbles has lived at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida, funded by the Jackson estate. Staff call him a presence who paints, plays with backpacks, and interacts with a group of five chimpanzees, including companion Oopsy. At 43, his weight is listed as either 170 lb (Patti Ragan) or 185 lb (the sanctuary), a discrepancy.

‘Michael’: Bubbles The Chimp, Who Appears In Biopic, Is Alive And Well

Lionsgate said its CGI decision resulted from dialogue with PETA and was not meant to endorse keeping chimpanzees as pets. PETA praised the approach, noting that research shows chimpanzees need freedom and peer companionship, making film sets and homes unsuitable. PETA’s director of animals in film and television, Lauren Thomasson, warned that portrayals of primates as pets can fuel illegal trade and urged audiences never to buy primates from breeders.

Michael Jackson’s Chimpanzee Bubbles: Where Is the 43-Year-Old Animal Now?PETAVariety Magazine

Public sources list Bubbles’ weight as either 170 lb or 185 lb and differ on the exact number of chimpanzee companions, with some reports naming five and others suggesting additional members. No publicly released health-monitoring plan for the aging chimp is available.

Just Jared

• “We have had continuing constructive dialogue with PETA about the portrayal of Bubbles the chimpanzee as a pet. This portrayal is simply based on historical fact and is not intended to be an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets. Bubbles is portrayed in the movie using CGI technology and the real Bubbles has been living a peaceful life at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary for more than 20 years.” — Lionsgate statement

PETA

• “So much more is known today about what chimpanzees and monkeys need to thrive, including freedom and the companionship of their peers, making film sets and human homes unacceptable for their wellbeing,” — Lauren Thomasson, PETA

Variety Magazine

• “He’s such a sweet, sweet guy,” — Patti Ragan, founding director, Center for Great Apes

Variety Magazine

• “ ForbesRotten Tomatoes Critics Rank Top 10 Pop Music Biopics The sanctuary noted, “Bubbles especially enjoys painting, often spending quiet time creating colorful works of art.” — Center for Great Apes

‘Michael’: Bubbles The Chimp, Who Appears In Biopic, Is Alive And Well

Producers have hinted at a sequel focusing on Jackson’s animal advocacy, while the Center for Great Apes plans to add more juvenile chimpanzees to Bubbles’ group for social enrichment.

Variety Magazine