Michael is a 2026 American biographical musical drama centered on the life of global pop icon Michael Jackson. The film blends music, drama, and historical biography to trace his rise to worldwide fame.
The movie is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It is produced by Graham King in collaboration with the Michael Jackson estate.
The cast includes Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller. The story follows Michael’s journey from his childhood with the Jackson 5 to becoming one of the most influential performers in music history.
The film explores artistic success, personal isolation, family pressure, and public controversy without revealing plot spoilers. Michael is scheduled for theatrical release on April 24, 2026, distributed by Lionsgate in the United States and Universal Pictures internationally.
Michael Age Rating
Michael is officially rated PG-13 by the MPA for some thematic material, language, and smoking. This rating reflects mature emotional subject matter related to fame, family conflict, and personal struggles, presented without graphic detail. While there is no extreme violence or explicit content, the film deals with real-life pressures that may be intense for younger viewers.
Violence & Peril
Violence in the film is mild but emotionally impactful. Some scenes may depict harsh parental discipline, confrontations, and moments of public chaos involving crowds or paparazzi. These moments are non-graphic and focus on emotional tension rather than physical harm.
Language
The film contains occasional profanity consistent with a PG-13 rating. Viewers can expect mild to moderate language, including words such as “damn” or “sh*t,” used during stressful or emotional scenes. There may be a single stronger word, but language is not constant or aggressive.
Mature Themes
Michael addresses serious themes including childhood pressure, emotional abuse, fame-related isolation, media scrutiny, and personal controversy. Smoking appears in period-accurate settings, and there may be references to prescription medication use in later-life scenes. Sexual content is minimal, with no nudity and only brief, non-explicit romantic references.
Is Michael Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The emotional themes, family conflict, and real-world controversies may be confusing or distressing for younger children.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Teens may handle the content, but parents should be prepared to discuss fame, mental health, and media pressure.
Ages 16+: Yes. Older teens are more likely to understand the historical context and emotional complexity of the story.
Final Recommendation: Best suited for ages 15 and up, with parental guidance recommended for younger teens.
What Parents Can Do
- Talk with teens about the pressures of fame and how childhood success can impact mental health.
- Provide historical context about Michael Jackson’s career and the era portrayed in the film.
- Encourage discussion after viewing about separating artistic achievement from personal struggles.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Michael (2026)?
A: Michael is rated PG-13 for some thematic material, language, and smoking.
Q: Is Michael appropriate for kids?
A: No, the film is not recommended for younger children due to mature emotional themes.
Q: Does the movie contain violence or scary scenes?
A: There is mild, non-graphic intensity involving family conflict and crowd scenes.
Q: Is there strong language in the film?
A: The movie includes some mild to moderate profanity consistent with a PG-13 rating.
Q: Does Michael include sexual content or nudity?
A: No, sexual content is minimal, with no nudity or explicit scenes.
Q: Where can parents watch Michael?
A: Michael will be released in theaters worldwide on April 24, 2026.