Overview
- The biopic, which opened in France on Wednesday, drew largely negative notices from outlets like the BBC, The Times and The Guardian, even as critics praised Jaafar Jackson’s singing and dance recreations and a Rotten Tomatoes score hovered near 35%.
- The film covers roughly 1968 to 1988, omits later abuse allegations entirely, and centers on Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 and his fraught bond with his father, played by Colman Domingo.
- Variety reported a clause in the 1994 Jordan Chandler settlement barred any depiction or mention of the boy, forcing late rewrites and reshoots that added about $15 million to the budget.
- Family involvement is extensive, with Michael’s son Prince credited as a co‑producer, while Janet Jackson is absent after what La Toya Jackson described as a polite refusal to be portrayed.
- Reviews note an end‑credit tease for a possible sequel, and the U.S. release is slated for Friday.