Overview
- Thousands of fans filled Berlin’s Uber Eats Music Hall on Friday for the world premiere of Michael, with Jackson’s sons Prince and Bigi and several brothers attending as daughter Paris stayed away.
- The production removed references to child sex abuse allegations after estate attorneys identified a settlement clause barring mention of an accuser, prompting rewrites, a new ending, and roughly $10–15 million in reshoots.
- Early reactions at the premiere praised Jaafar Jackson’s performance and the film’s entertainment value, with reports of a standing ovation and strong notices for Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson.
- Lionsgate is targeting about $700 million in global ticket sales, Box Office Pro projects a North American opening above $80 million, and the wide theatrical release is set for April 24.
- Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film centers on Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 to solo fame; Jackson was acquitted in a 2005 criminal trial, has never been convicted in criminal or civil court, and related civil proceedings continue.