Moonwalkers Dominating the Cinema

Michael Jackson fans (known as Moonwalkers) have filled the cinema this past week. A new biopic of the King of Pop has crazed many worldwide.

Released on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026, the new film 'Michael' has achieved the highest opening ever recorded for a screen biography. Jackson fans have dominated the movie theatres in the last few days. The atmosphere for the screening has been globally seen whilst many have dressed in Michael Jackson inspired outfits. Even with his first name as the title, the world knew which Michael they were talking about. Impressively, his nephew Jaafar Jackson embodied the role of his uncle magnificently. As of Wednesday, the movie has outstandingly earnt £160 million worldwide. 

Starting from the genesis of Jackson's career, the biopic showed the beginning days of the Jackson 5 to his legendary album 'Bad.' From the creation of 'Thriller" to the making of his other iconic albums, it gives a perspective into his experience of the music industry. Another part that captivated many was the real and raw perception of Michael Jackson, in which Jaafar Jackson played. Jackon's adoration of zoo animals like giraffes and his famous chimpanzee Bubbles was continuously seen. Moonwalkers are marvelled that Bubbles is thriving healthily in his 40's, located around Florida in the Centre for Great Apes. Throughout the film, it shows the other side of the King of Pop's life, his hardships and vulnerability. 

'Michael's' sensitive side 

Emotionally, the biopic is involved with sensitive topics about Michael Jackon's life. Alongside his life-threatening accident with the Pepsi advert, it also shows his experience with Vitiligo, in which Jackson lived with in his life. Another touching experience is the troubling relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, who put the Jackson 5 together. 'Michael'  recruited the talented Colman Domingo to play his father, who sensitively showed the trauma that the King of Pop endured. This evidently shaped Jackson and the beginning of his revolutionary music career, however moonwalkers were amazed with his character transformation in the biopic. Close to the end, it shows him breaking free from his father's control and evolving into the world's King of Pop. Many are praising the younger portrayal of Michael Jackson, who was acted by the upcoming star, Juliano Valdi. They are impressed with the authentic and compelling depiction Valdi acted at 12 years of age. 

Image of younger Michael Jackson, founded on Wikimedia Commons.

Diverse reactions from the Jacksons

Some members of the beloved Jackson family have shared their adoration of 'Michael.' His son's Prince and Bigi presented their approval whilst appearing at the premiere. However his daughter, Paris Jackson, has shared her disapproval against the biopic. Similarly to the biopic series 'Love Story' showing a portrayal of the love story and tragic ending between Carolyn and John F. Kennedy Jr, some Jackson family members have varied reactions and feelings over the new movie, like the Kennedy's. The legendary Janet Jackson (the King of Pop's sister) chose not be portrayed in the movie. 

The closest people to Michael Jackson to his fanbase globally, have been touched by the reenactment of the King of Pop's life. Some moonwalkers were shocked about the sudden end, as it finished with his album 'Bad.' Although it was announced a sequel is in the planning, which has kept many on their toes. 

-Written by Daisy Sheena- Devote Radio Journalist.

More information

crl1lpzp4z5o - information about the biopic's high success 

https://www.facebook.com/enews/posts/michael-jacksons-chimpanzee-bubble-is-still-alive-and-well-living-at-the-florida/1342854664381167/ - information about Bubbles

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