The moonwalk has returned to the silver screen, and with it, a cultural firestorm that has been brewing for years. The release of ‘Michael’, the highly anticipated biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, has proven to be more than just a movie; it is a global event that has forced a polarized public to once again confront the complicated legacy of Michael Jackson.

In the weeks following its April 2026 release, the film has shattered box office records, yet the conversation surrounding it remains fractured. As audiences cheer in the aisles, a vocal segment of critics is sounding the alarm, claiming that the film’s “glossy” exterior hides a hollow core that ignores the most challenging chapters of the icon’s life.

Nowhere is the divide more apparent than on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. As of early May 2026, the film sits at a dismal 38% Critic Score, while the Audience Score stands at a staggering 97%.

For critics, the film’s failure lies in its “journalistic cowardice.” Reviewers have lamented a “rushed storytelling” style that treats Jackson’s life like a greatest-hits compilation rather than a deep psychological study. Many argue that because the project was produced in cooperation with the Michael Jackson Estate, it acts as a “sanitized PR vehicle” designed to protect the brand rather than explore the man.

Fans, however, have dismissed these critiques as “noise.” For the general public, the film is a triumphant celebration of musical genius. The near-unanimous praise from audiences centers on the film’s emotional resonance—it doesn’t just tell the story of Michael Jackson; it makes the viewer feel the magic that made him a global phenomenon.

At the heart of the film’s success is the performance of Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of the King of Pop. Critics and fans alike have found common ground in praising Jaafar’s uncanny ability to channel his uncle’s spirit. From the soft-spoken cadence of his voice to the explosive, high-octane choreography of the Dangerous era, Jaafar provides a performance that many are calling “hauntingly accurate.”

The film also finds success in its early acts, featuring Juliano Valdi as a young Michael. The scenes set in Gary, Indiana, recreate the gritty, high-stakes environment of the Jackson 5’s origin story. Seeing the siblings—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon—conquer Motown under the watchful eye of Joseph Jackson serves as a powerful reminder of the family’s meteoric rise. The film’s recreation of the 1970 moment when ‘ABC’ knocked The Beatles off the top of the Billboard Hot 100 stands as a cinematic highlight, marking the exact moment the cultural guard changed.

Despite the three-hour runtime, the “omissions” have become as famous as the scenes that made the final cut. Social media has been ablaze with discussions regarding the marginalization of certain family members and the “glossing over” of Jackson’s legal troubles.

The film focuses heavily on musical achievements—the creation of Thriller, the groundbreaking music videos, and the “victory tour”—but critics argue it “sidesteps significant controversies.” Pivotal relationships that shaped Michael’s later life are either simplified or absent, fueling a broader debate about the responsibility of biopics: Should they be factually exhaustive historical documents, or are they allowed to be “emotional truth” narratives?

Even as the first film continues to play to sold-out crowds, rumors are already swirling about a sequel. Industry insiders suggest that a follow-up could address the very criticisms leveled at the first film by exploring the later, more tumultuous chapters of Jackson’s life.

A potential sequel is expected to delve into:

The Spiritual Pursuit: His efforts to find peace amidst global scrutiny.

The Family Dynamics: The evolving and often strained relationships between the siblings in the 1990s and 2000s.

The Legal Reckoning: A more direct look at the 1993 and 2005 legal battles that fundamentally altered his public image.

The Final Act: The preparations for the ill-fated This Is It tour.

In 2026, Michael Jackson remains as “electric” and divisive as ever. ‘Michael’ has succeeded in reigniting the world’s love for his music, but it has failed to settle the debate regarding his character. Perhaps that is the most authentic way to tell his story—by reflecting the very tension that defined his life.

Whether you view it as a masterpiece of nostalgia or a missed opportunity for honesty, one thing is certain: the King of Pop still knows how to draw a crowd.