Michael Jackson Biopic “Michael”: Release, Legal Hurdles, and Missing Pieces

“Michael” opened April 24, 2026. Antoine Fuqua directs, John Logan writes. The story follows Michael Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 in Gary to the 1988 Bad tour. Jaafar Jackson (nephew) stars; Colman Domingo is Joe, Nia Long is Katherine. Kat Graham was cast as Diana Ross but her scenes were removed. The film features CGI for Jackson’s pet chimp, Bubbles.

Kat Graham reveals why her appearance as Diana Ross was cut from Michael Jackson biopicKat Graham’s Diana Ross Portrayal Cut From 'Michael' BiopicComplexDetroit NewsKat Graham’s Diana Ross portrayal cut from 'Michael' biopicWIONKat Graham’s Diana Ross Role Cut From ‘Michael’ BiopicMichael Movie’s Diana Ross Scenes Cut Addressed by Actress Kat GrahamPop Stars on Parade in Micheal and Mother Mary

A 2025 settlement with accuser Jordan Chandler barred any depiction of the 1993 police raid and abuse claims. The studio spent about $15 million on reshoots, cutting Diana Ross scenes and rewriting the third act, so the story ends in 1988.

Michael Movie’s Diana Ross Scenes Cut Addressed by Actress Kat Graham

Analysts forecast a $65-70 million domestic opening and roughly $150 million worldwide, positioning “Michael” among the top-grossing music biopics.

Kat Graham’s Diana Ross Role Cut From ‘Michael’ Biopic

Kat Graham said legal considerations forced the removal of her Diana Ross scenes, though the team “worked hard to preserve as much of the story as possible.” Colman Domingo noted the film avoids abuse allegations, focusing on early career. Paris Jackson called the movie a fan-fantasy pandering with “inaccuracies and full-blown lies.”

Michael Movie’s Diana Ross Scenes Cut Addressed by Actress Kat Graham

Critics argue the biopic sidesteps Jackson’s abuse controversies, omits Diana Ross, and offers only a shallow portrait. Reviewers find the pacing overlong and the CGI chimp distracting, noting no exploration of his sexuality, religion, or racial anxieties.

Kat Graham reveals why her appearance as Diana Ross was cut from Michael Jackson biopic

Sources differ on why Diana Ross scenes were cut—some cite vague “legal considerations,” others a settlement clause barring any portrayal of Jordan Chandler. Reports vary on whether the original script contained abuse allegations, leaving the film’s handling of those events unclear.

Michael Movie’s Diana Ross Scenes Cut Addressed by Actress Kat Graham

• “Ahead of the April 24 release of the Michael Jackson film, I want to share that certain legal considerations affected a few scenes, including the ones I filmed with an incredible cast. Unfortunately, those moments are no longer part of the final cut. Though the team worked hard to preserve as much of the story as possible.” — Kat Graham, Actress

WION

• “A big section of the film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy, and they’re gonna be happy with it,” — Paris Jackson, Daughter

Kat Graham reveals why her appearance as Diana Ross was cut from Michael Jackson biopic

• “The film takes place from the ’60s to 1988, so it does not go into the first allegations in, what, 2005? Basically, we center it on the makings of Michael,” — Colman Domingo, Actor (Joe Jackson)

Kat Graham’s Diana Ross Role Cut From ‘Michael’ Biopic

The closing title card hints at a sequel covering Jackson’s career beyond 1988. Insiders say future installments may tackle the 1993 legal battles and the 2009 death, pending clearance of remaining legal constraints.

Complex