‘Michael’, The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has sparked significant excitement, positioning the film as a major cinematic event ahead of its 24th April 2026 release.

The most widely praised aspect of the trailer is the casting of Jaafar Jackson, portraying his uncle. Critics and fans alike have noted that Jaafar captures Michael’s unique physical mannerism, speaking voice and explosive dance energy with ‘uncanny’ precision. The director, Antoine Fuqua appears to have moved away from his typical action style for a more expressive luminous aesthetic. The trailer highlights various of Michael's eras, from the Jackson 5 motown days to the record-breaking “Thriller” and “Bad” years, featuring meticulously recreated stage performances. The trailer introduces a high-calibre ensemble, including Colman Domingo, as demanding Joe Jackson, the father and manager of Michael Jackson. We also have Nia Long playing Katherine Jackson, suggesting a serious casting rather than a simple tribute. The trailer sets a complex tone, contrasting the “magic” of Michael’s music with the heavy pressures of his public and private life. The trailer broke records for Lionsgate, racking up over 116 million views within its first 24 hours of screening. While many fans are ‘electrified’ by the visual and musical nostalgia, others remain wary of how the script by John Logan will balance the icon’s triumphs with his personal strife.

Review by Chloe Mia McLaughlin (S2)

Some pupils favourite books and currently reading: 

• Onyi (S3)- Fav book: Positively Teenage by Nicola Morgan

 Currently reading: You, Me and Our Heartstrings by Melissa See and The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kibry. 

• Caera (S3)- Fav book:  Lottie Brooks Series by Katie Kibry

   Currently reading: Lottie Brook’s Essential Guide to life by Katie Kibry

• Arinade (S3) -   Fav book: Consequence girl by Alastair Chisholm

     Currently reading: The explorer by Katherine Rundell

• Erin (S3) - Fav book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

• Niamh (S3) - Fav book: Redeeming six by Chloe Walsh

 Currently reading: Releasing 10 by Chloe Walsh (Both books from The boys of Tommen series) 

• Jewel (S4) - Fav book: It was always you by Emma Copper 

• Aiza (S3) - Fav book - Diary of a wimpy kid by Jeff Kinney

• Ayat (S3) - Fav book: Matilda by Roald Dahl 

• Ava (S3) - Fav book: All the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han

           Currently reading : Better than the movies by Lynn Painter

• Nava (S3) - Fav book: How to get away with murder by Peter Nowalk

Article by Onyinyechi Uche (S3)