Many predict that the upcoming Michael Jackson biography, aptly named “Michael,” will be one of the most popular films of the year. The film, which stars Jaafar, the nephew of Michael Jackson, is being slammed now by critics following its Los Angeles premiere. LaToya, however, has a different opinion, praising Antoine Fuqua’s opus.
LaToya Jackson Enjoyed ‘Michael’
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Jackson attended the premiere of ‘Michael,’ at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, on April 20. She spoke to Variety on the red carpet and revealed her initial reaction to the request to make the film. She remembered, “I said that this was wonderful. Just make sure that it is true to life and that it is good and great.
La Toya says Jaafar’s performance is so convincing that she and her family will think they are “watching Mike.” pic.twitter.com/40bCXQAS7U– Variety (@Variety) April 21, 2026
Jackson said it was “fabulous” when asked about her nephew portraying Jaafar, her late brother. She added, “We forget and think we are watching Mike and it’s almost like, ‘Oh I forgot, this Jaafar. So he delivered. He did an amazing job.”
The interviewer then mentioned the controversies surrounding the film during production, and asked if Jackson ever thought that it wouldn’t get released. Jackson replied, “I knew it would be released in time.” Sometimes it takes a while, but here we are.
Critics Aren’t Happy With The Biopic
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Lionsgate, which is the studio behind “Michael”, has lifted the review embargo following the premiere. Film Updates on X reports that it debuted on Rotten Tomatoes at a 27% rating. This was based upon 41 reviews from critics.
‘MICHAEL,’ a film based on 41 reviews, debuts with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 27%. pic.twitter.com/LsogmSUMTr– Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 21, 2026
Rotten Tomatoes’ score dropped to 24% as of this writing after four additional critics added their opinions. The score will fluctuate as new reviews are added. What’s wrong with this highly anticipated biopic then? The general consensus is that the film doesn’t tell the complete story. There is also talk of a sequel.
Matt Goldberg, a film critic, said that to even call Michael “half a story” would be to give it too much credit.
Joey Morona wrote: “It will have you grooving with nostalgia in your seat, but it will dissipate as soon as you leave the theater, and realize that Bubbles the CGI chimp was real. ‘”
Brian Orndorf said, “All of the rough edges have professionally been sanded by Logan and Fuqua. And perhaps this is what faithful want, two hours of the cuddliest and kindest Michael Jackson possible.”
John Nugen, who reviewed the film last, said, “The two young men portraying Michael Jackson are able to give a very impressive performance, but it is not enough to overcome the uncomfortable fact that the other side of the pop star is conspicuously absent here.”
Fans Believe There Is An ‘Agenda” Against Michael
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Jackson’s music legacy has a loyal fan base that continues to grow even 16 years after his tragic death. There has been a lot of discussion about the reaction of the new biopic. Some claim that critics want to see only the controversial parts of Jackson’s life.
One person wrote, “I watched that.” These people are out to get Michael. They want him to fail in every way. It’s a funny film that makes you laugh and sometimes gets you emotional. They could have done a few different things. I would place it somewhere between “Ray” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” ‘”
Another social media user said, “The media always tries to cancel him.” The movie is fantastic. “The public will love it.”
Another person said, “No one will be surprised if it gets a >85% audience rating.” The critics made up their minds about this film 6 years ago. Criticism based on ignorance and bad faith. “They have no power any more.”
Another X user defended their reviews by saying, “Bullsh*t, you guys can’t take anything seriously. They have to love everything they release, just to keep you from getting upset. It’s ridiculous.”
The movie is predicted to open big
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There are very few sure bets in today’s world when it comes box office success. According to Deadline, Michael is expected to have an impressive first weekend at box office. According to early April tracking, it is expected that the movie will bring in at least $60 million.
If this is true, it would place it above biopics like 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton,” with $60 million, and the 2018 film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which made $51 in its first weekend.
Jaafar revealed the biggest misconception about his uncle
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Jackson, 24, spoke with ExtraTV on the red carpet of the “Michael’ premiere. During the conversation, he was questioned about the biggest misconception people have about his legendary Uncle. Jakson replied, “I’d say that he was trying to be white.” It’s a common misconception.
He then went on to explain how the film will put to rest those rumors. Jackson said, “This film gives an understanding of how vitiliago was a part of his life. Not many people understand that, and he dealt with it from a young age.”
“Michael,” which is due to hit theaters on April 24, will have some preview screenings in the days before its release. The Blast first published The LaToya Reacts to “Michael” Amid Bad Reviews.
