15 Interesting Facts about Pop Culture from 'Michael' and other Biographical Films about Musicians

In early November 2025, the trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic Michael shattered records, becoming the most-viewed music biopic trailer with over 116 million views in just 24 hours.

The film, scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, is directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by John Logan, and features Michael's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portraying adult Michael. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all their own songs, with Phoenix only gaining confidence to sing a week before filming after a live performance in Memphis.

During the production, the climactic Live Aid sequence included renditions of We Will Rock You and Crazy Little Thing Called Love, which were ultimately not used in the final cut. O'Shea Jackson Jr. earned his role independently, auditioning multiple times over two years with various acting coaches, rather than relying on his father Ice Cubes fame.

Originally, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rufus Sewell were cast as Gladys and Vernon Presley, but due to COVID-19 delays and scheduling conflicts, Helen Thomson and Richard Roxburgh assumed the roles. Taron Egerton, playing Elton John, received personal advice from John to focus on embodying his spirit rather than exact vocal imitation.

The film distinguished itself by not naming Bob Dylan. Cate Blanchett, playing Jude Quinn, received a Golden Globe for her performance. Seth Rogen and Jason Segel auditioned for the role of Cheddar Bob in Eminems story but lost to Evan Jones. Jennifer Lopez was one of seven selected from thousands of actresses in early screen tests, and Loretta Lynn personally chose Sissy Spacek for her role, convincing her to accept it.

Jamie Foxx wore silicone prosthetics over his eyes up to 14 hours daily, experiencing panic attacks but earning an Oscar for his dedication. Val Kilmer impressed The Doors with his Jim Morrison portrayal, working so effectively that producer Paul Rothschild requested him to stop because it was unsettling.

Gary Oldman strictly ate steamed fish and melon to depict Sid Viciouss emaciation, leading to hospitalization due to malnutrition. Chadwick Boseman claimed that James Brown appeared to him in a dream during preparation. Kingsley Ben-Adir regretted that Lively Up Yourself was cut from the Bob Marley biopic, though Ziggy Marley suggested fans check the outtakes.

Author: Sophia Brooks