Janet Jackson chose not to appear as a character in Michael, the long-awaited biopic about her late brother directed by Antoine Fuqua, her sibling LaToya Jackson confirmed Monday night at the film’s Hollywood premiere. The revelation came as the Lionsgate production opened at the Dolby Theatre ahead of its April 24 theatrical release — a film already defined by internal family divisions, costly reshoots, and a radically altered ending.
“I wish everybody was in the movie,” LaToya told reporters at the event. “She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes.” Fuqua echoed that sentiment, saying he holds deep respect for Janet and noting that she remains supportive of her nephew Jaafar, who portrays Michael in the film.
Jaafar Jackson stars alongside Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Jessica Sula as LaToya. Juliano Valdi plays the younger Michael. LaToya praised her nephew’s performance effusively, saying the family repeatedly forgot they were watching Jaafar rather than Michael himself.
The Jackson family’s relationship with the film is fractured. Michael’s estate holds a financial stake in the production, and his son Prince serves as executive producer. His other children, Bigi and Paris, had no involvement. Paris has been openly hostile, posting a video accusing the film of containing “a lot of inaccuracies” and “a lot of full blown lies,” and charging that it panders to fans who live in fantasy.
The production itself had a turbulent path to release. Attorneys for the Jackson estate discovered — after filming had wrapped — a clause in Michael Jackson’s settlement with accuser Jordan Chandler that barred Chandler’s depiction or mention in any film. The third act, which had originally centered on that 1993 abuse allegation, was scrapped entirely. The cast reconvened for 22 days of additional photography in June 2025, costing the estate up to $15 million. The new version ends with Jackson preparing to perform during his Bad tour, the film closing at the height of his career.
Early tracking projects the film will open to over $55 million domestically — which would surpass Bohemian Rhapsody’s $51 million debut in 2018.
