Story perspectives

Fuqua's “Michael” Debuts, Jaafar Jackson Stars, Critics Decry Whitewashing

5/10/2026

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Summary

Fuqua Releases

In the United States, director Antoine Fuqua released “Michael,” starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson.
The two-hour film covers Jackson’s rise to 1988, focusing on music while skipping later abuse and drug issues.
Jaafar Jackson’s performance mirrors his uncle’s voice and moves, while Colman Domingo plays the abusive father Joe Jackson.
Critics say the movie acts as a tribute that whitewashes controversial chapters rather than a full biopic.
It ends in 1988, leaving the 1990s onward for a potential sequel.
The film excludes key figures such as Janet Jackson, Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor, narrowing its scope.

Summary

**Michael Tops**

Michael topped the domestic box office, drawing sizable crowds despite critics noting its limited scope.
The film joins a growing wave of music-icon biopics, confirming the genre’s continued commercial appeal.
Unlike Baz Luhrmann’s chaotic Elvis biopic, Michael uses a controlled, intimate storytelling approach.
Producers say the movie is a self-contained story with no plans for a sequel.

Summary

**Michael Charts**

The Essential Michael Jackson climbs to #1 on the UK Official Albums Chart, its first chart-topper in 17 years.
Michael’s 1982 album Thriller reaches #6 and Bad reaches #8 on the UK chart, marking their first Top 10 entries in over a decade.
The film’s opening weekend generated $217 million worldwide, pushing total earnings toward the $500 million mark within weeks of release.
Jackson’s philanthropic record includes support for more than 39 charities and donations totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, many made anonymously.
He co-wrote the 1985 charity single “We Are the World,” which raised millions for African famine relief and remains a landmark fundraising effort.
The Heal the World Foundation, founded by Jackson, continues to fund education and aid projects, with a portion of his estate earmarked to sustain charitable giving after his death.

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Fuqua Releases

In the United States, director Antoine Fuqua released “Michael,” starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson.
The two-hour film covers Jackson’s rise to 1988, focusing on music while skipping later abuse and drug issues.
Jaafar Jackson’s performance mirrors his uncle’s voice and moves, while Colman Domingo plays the abusive father Joe Jackson.
Critics say the movie acts as a tribute that whitewashes controversial chapters rather than a full biopic.
It ends in 1988, leaving the 1990s onward for a potential sequel.
The film excludes key figures such as Janet Jackson, Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor, narrowing its scope.

1 / 3