‘Michael’ Biopic Slammed by Critics — But Fans Might Make It a Monster Hit

The highly anticipated “Michael” (2026) biopic hasn’t even officially opened nationwide yet — and it’s already turning into one of the most polarizing movie releases of the year. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, the film is currently sitting at a rough 36% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes […] The post ‘Michael’ Biopic Slammed by Critics — But Fans Might Make It a Monster Hit appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.

Apr 23, 2026 - 14:12

‘Michael’ Biopic Slammed by Critics — But Fans Might Make It a Monster Hit

Jaafar Jackson - screenshot — Jaafar Jackson – screenshot

The highly anticipated “Michael” (2026) biopic hasn’t even officially opened nationwide yet — and it’s already turning into one of the most polarizing movie releases of the year.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, the film is currently sitting at a rough 36% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes based on more than 120 reviews.

And yeah — critics are not holding back.

But here’s where it gets interesting: despite the brutal reviews, “Michael” is tracking to do blockbuster numbers, with projections pointing to $85–$105 million opening weekend and a possible $65–$70 million single-day haul. If that holds, it could surpass “Oppenheimer” to become the biggest biopic opening of all time.

Critics Call It “Safe” — and Worse

The film, which follows Michael Jackson from his Jackson 5 days through his late-’80s superstardom, is being praised for its visuals and performances — but dragged for everything else.

Across reviews, a clear pattern has emerged: critics say the film looks great, sounds great… but doesn’t really say much.

Some of the harshest descriptions include:

“Flat, barely human”
“A sanitized, made-for-TV version of a complex life”
“A dud even as fan service”

Ouch.

The biggest complaints center on the film’s refusal to dig deeper into Jackson as a person. Instead, critics argue it plays like a glossy “greatest hits” reel — big on iconic performances, light on emotional depth or new insight.

Translation: amazing moonwalks, not much soul-searching.

Jaafar was wildly good in #MichaelMovie I wish they’d made a better movie because you’ll never find a better Michael. Script and edit was all over the place. Not enough context given to major moments. Ending was abrupt. Using Man in the Mirror instead of Bad could’ve saved it. pic.twitter.com/lajU3KrA41

— Damien Shields (@DamienShields) April 22, 2026

Jaafar Jackson Is the One Thing Everyone Agrees On

If there’s one area where critics are aligned, it’s Jaafar Jackson.

The newcomer is being widely praised for what many are calling a near-eerie transformation into his legendary uncle. From the voice to the movements to the stage presence, reviewers say he “disappears into the role.”

And that might be the film’s secret weapon.

Because even critics who didn’t like the movie admit the performance sequences — recreating Jackson’s iconic concerts — are where the film truly comes alive.

The Jackson Family Fires Back

Not surprisingly, the Jackson family isn’t here for the critic pile-on.

Taj Jackson jumped on social media as soon as the reviews dropped, pushing back hard on what he sees as a familiar media narrative.

“Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was,” he wrote. “The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves.”

In a follow-up, he added that he can’t wait for critics to “eat crow” — and yes, he plans to be “petty” about it.

That response pretty much sums up the divide: critics want complexity and controversy, while the family — and many fans — see the film as a celebration, not an exposé.