“You’re confident. You’re strong. You’re beautiful. You’re the greatest of all time.”

This quote encompasses the heart of the 2026 biopic “Michael,” released in theaters on April 24, which covers the early life and legacy of Michael Jackson, or the “King of Pop.” From his start in a musical career with the Motown family band The Jackson 5 to his split from the group and emergence as a mysterious solo artist, the roles of young and adult Michael Jackson are taken on by 12-year-old Juliano Valdi and 29-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson.

Written by John Logan and directed by Antoine Fuqua, the picture incorporates family life, the progression in reaching a global audience and the pressure that came in the pursuit of becoming “the biggest star in the world” between 1966 and 1988. “Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture” is the biopic’s soundtrack, which includes 13 hits from his early Motown era, as well as from “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” albums.

Included from the early family group were: “I’ll Be There,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “Who’s Lovin’ You,” the “I Want You Back / ABC / The Love You Save” mashup and “Ben.” These tracks were from approximately 1969 to 1975 and are some of the Jackson family’s well-known hits that showcased Michael Jackson’s talents.

Taken from Michael Jackson’s individual career were: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Workin’ Day and Night,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Human Nature,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” and “Bad.” Spanning from 1979 to 1987, these songs display the progression of his solo calling and highlight a number of his widely known tracks.

Michael Jackson’s father, Joseph Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, formed and managed The Jackson 5, introducing Michael Jackson’s voice and dancing to the public in Gary, Ind., when he was placed as lead singer at a young age. Tension was created with his father early in the picture, establishing a strained environment and making it difficult for him to leave The Jackson 5 later on in Los Angeles, Calif. — especially since he wanted to continue being a part of his family’s life.

Other important characters included Nia Long (mother Katherine Jackson), Larenz Tate (Motown Records founder Berry Gordy), KeiLyn Durrel Jones (security guard Bill Bray), Kendrick Sampson (producer Quincy Jones) and Miles Teller (attorney John Branca).

Along with having a heart for rescuing animals, the biopic displayed Michael Jackson’s compassion for others through his countless hospital visits, anti-violence gang collaboration and charity work. Due to a burn incident that occurred on the sixth take of a Pepsi commercial, he was rushed to the hospital. Instead of suing the company, he settled out of court for $1.5 million, donating all of it to the Brotman Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated. 

Despite his injuries and lack of enthusiasm caused by family pressure, Michael Jackson decided to move forward with the Victory Tour with his brothers; however, he decided to call it the Farewell Tour on stage, letting his family know at the same time as his fans that he would finally go solo and “do his own thing.”

Jaafar Jackson makes the movie personal, as he takes the responsibility of embodying and honoring his uncle to a different level — not only did he practice his uncle’s dance moves until he was able to recreate unforgettable scenes, but many viewers agree that “the only person to play Michael Jackson is a Jackson.”

What sets the picture apart is the recurring “Peter and Wendy” book, more commonly known as “Peter Pan.” It utterly captures Michael Jackson’s youthful spirit and refusal to grow or give up, even after a childhood filled with loneliness and abuse. The biopic ends after his Bad World Tour with the words “His Story Continues,” capturing his strive for perfection, his commitment to a solo career and his drive to become the best in his field, which launched him to the peak of his music. Choosing to conclude the picture on a high note with his legacy of unparalleled ambition, paired with the lesson of always staying true to your own dreams, “Michael” is left in the hearts of the viewers as a reminder to seek what they love in life and chase it every minute.