The world has been hungry for a definitive Michael Jackson biopic, and the reaction to the first teaser confirms it. The trailer for Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, exploded across the internet with 116.2 million views within 24 hours, making it the most-watched trailer debut ever for a music biopic or concert film.
The record-breaking numbers were confirmed by Deadline and supported by analytics firm WaveMetrix, which released its data on November 8. This massive launch surpasses some of the biggest music-related trailers of the past decade. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour previously held the record with 96.1 million views. Bob Marley: One Love followed with 60.1 million, Bohemian Rhapsody with 57.6 million, and the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown with 47.2 million views.
The trailer dropped on Lionsgate’s earnings day, and the studio says it generated 30 million global views during that period alone — a figure 50% higher than what John Wick: Chapter 4 achieved during its comparable launch window.
Beyond the numbers, the reaction online has been electric. Fans praised the film’s attention to detail, from Michael Jackson’s iconic costumes and choreography to the slick cinematography that mirrors his era-defining visuals. Much of the spotlight has been on Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, whose uncanny portrayal — down to the facial expressions — has stunned viewers worldwide.
The cast also features Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, adding further depth to the story of the man behind the legend.
Michael will hit cinemas on April 24, 2026. With the trailer already rewriting records, the film is poised to become one of the most-watched musical biopics ever made — even before its release.
