[THE MAIN EVENT]

A new Michael Jackson biopic is on the way, and I don’t know about you, but I’m already working on my “Thriller” choreography.

Michael is slated for release in 2026. The film tells the story of a certified music GOAT for a new generation, capturing MJ’s life from his Jackson 5 childhood to his 1980s pop-culture explosion. The hype is already at a fever pitch: The trailer was viewed 116.2 million times in its first 24 hours, making it the most-watched music biopic launch ever.

The man seen stepping into those mighty loafers is none other than the late megastar’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, making his film debut. Juliano Krue Valdi plays Michael as a kid. Both actors join a long legacy of people who have depicted the King of Pop over the years. Ahead of Michael’s debut, UpRising remembers the times we saw a legend portrayed on screens big and small, in chronological order.

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Donald Fullilove
The Jackson 5ive (1971–1973)

This former child actor looked nothing like the kid who sang lead on “I Want You Back.” But it didn’t matter. Fullilove voiced Michael in the hit animated series focused on the Jackson siblings’ music and make-believe mischief.

E’Casanova Evans
Back to the Future Part II (1989)

After growing up on Jackson 5ive reruns and obsessing over Michael’s dance moves at home, Evans became a must-see impersonator on the Las Vegas Strip. He makes a small cameo in the Back to the Future sequel, later serving as a body double in Michael’s “Who Is It” video and using the Gloved One’s likeness to prank Frankie J on a 2007 episode of Punk’d.

Alex Burrall
The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)

Burrall didn’t just look the part of the Jackson 5’s lead voice—he had the pipes to match, too. Taking it back to young Michael’s Indiana roots, his on-screen vocals captured MJ’s raw potential in the elementary years.

Jason Weaver
The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)

Before he voiced young Simba in The Lion King, Weaver just couldn’t wait to be king… of pop. He portrayed Michael’s pre-teen years, when the budding star rocked a cotton-candy ’fro and was already making fans melt. His performance of “Who’s Lovin’ You” is still unforgettable.

Wylie Draper
The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)

Draper depicts Michael’s evolution from teen idol to grown superstar, and his dance background helped him nail the swagger. He portrayed career peaks like Thriller and MJ’s Motown 25 moonwalk moment without missing a step. The actor, unfortunately, passed away in 1993.

Edward Moss
Various appearances (2000–2011)

Moss made a steady living doing Michael Jackson parodies. The tribute artist popped up everywhere from the Scary Movie series to The Steve Harvey Show, often making viewers do a double-take.

Flex Alexander
Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story (2004)

Flex first cosplayed as MJ in a Halloween episode of One on One, the 2000s sitcom for which he’s best known. He took that depiction further in this biopic, which covers Michael’s career highs and personal storms, blending biography and spectacle.

Joseph Fiennes
“Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon,” Urban Myths (2017)

This UK anthology dramatized a rumored post-9/11 road trip MJ supposedly took with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando. Casting a white actor as Jackson predictably sparked backlash, including from his daughter Paris, who tweeted that the teaser “honestly makes me want to vomit.” The full episode never aired.

Navi Charles
Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland (2017)

Navi Charles went from being Michael Jackson’s real-life hired decoy to playing him on screen. This Lifetime film depicts the icon’s later years—fatherhood, public scrutiny, the Vegas residency. His performance is rooted in fandom, aiming to show the man behind “Man in the Mirror.”

Brandon Howard
A Tale of Two Coreys (2018)

Before playing MJ in this Lifetime biopic about Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, B. Howard was at the center of tabloid gossip claiming he was Michael’s secret son, word to “Billie Jean.” Those rumors were never substantiated.

J.D. McCrary
American Soul (2019)

Like Weaver before him, McCrary voiced both young Simba (in 2019’s photorealistic Lion King) and young Michael. His real-life vocal chops add credibility to the portrayal of MJ’s pre-superstar phase, when the world was just starting to orbit the kid from Gary.

Joshua Consigli
A Gift From God (2024)

Consigli put his extensive dance background to use in this indie Italian biopic, which focuses on Michael Jackson’s spirituality—particularly his connection to the Catholic Church—during his ’80s ascent.

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Michael is set to star Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Colman Domingo, and Juliano Krue Valdi. The biopic is directed by Antoine Fuqua.

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[FOUND IN TRANSLATION]

Bad Meaning Good

Bad Bunny just swept the Latin Grammys, has six more Grammy nominations loaded, and is prepping for a performance on music’s biggest stage: Super Bowl LX. It’s time to get familiar with the meaning behind his words. Here’s a quick lyrical breakdown of three standouts from his stunning 2025 album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

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“BAILE INoLVIDABLE”

Lyric: “La vida es una fiesta que un día termina/Y fuiste tú mi baile inolvidable.”

English translation: “Life is a party that one day ends/And you were my unforgettable dance.”

The Message: Fans have speculated that this longing salsa love song was inspired by Bad Bunny’s relationship with jewelry designer and influencer Gabriela Berlingeri, based on this song’s music video, which seemingly nods to their coupled attendance at the 2021 Latin Billboard Awards.

“Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaíi”

Lyric: “Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa/Quieren al barrio mío y que abuelita se vaya…Que no quiero que hagan contigo lo que pasó a Hawái.”

Translation: “Thеy want to take my river and my beach too/They want my neighborhood and grandma to leave… 'Cause I don't want them to do to you what happened to Hawaii.”

The Message: The 31-year-old superstar turns his attention from introspection to political reflection. He gets personal about cultural erasure and displacement on his Puerto Rican homeland, criticizing the impact of colonization and gentrification.

“DtMF (Debí Tirar Más Fotos)”

Lyric: “Debí tirar más fotos de cuando te tuve/Debí darte más beso’ y abrazo’ las veces que pude.”

Translation: “I should've taken more pictures when I had you/I should've given you more kisses and hugs whenever I could.”

The Message: The song and album title are a metaphor—not just about snapping pictures, but about living in the moment and holding onto the people you love. Tightly. The good times don’t last forever.

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Listen to Debí Tirar Más Fotos in full to catch a vibe.

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[TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT]

I’ve seen people saying I’m a … what’s it called? A nee-po baby? Nepo baby! I’ve seen all types of stuff, like I had this rich Chinese dad or a producer dad. I was living on 144th and Seventh Avenue, and my single mom was working her ass off in corporate America to provide for me.

Don’t get it twisted, this certified star got it out the mud. Now, they’re making their mark on every corner of the entertainment world. Tap in to find out who it is and read more about the 2025 flourishment.