Michael Jackson Honored on His Birthday by Cast of Upcoming Biopic as Filming Wraps

Yesterday would have been Michael Jackson’s 66th birthday, and fans worldwide celebrated the life and legacy of the King of Pop. This year’s tribute was especially significant, as the cast and crew of the highly anticipated biopic Michael shared heartfelt birthday shout-outs to the late icon—while also announcing a major milestone: the final day of filming coincided with his birthday.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), has been in production for much of 2024 and 2025. It stars Michael’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role, bringing a unique authenticity to the portrayal. According to the studio, wrapping production on August 29—Michael’s actual birthday—was a symbolic moment that added even more emotional weight to the project.

Cast and Crew Celebrate Michael

🚨LATEST | The cast and crew of the Michael Jackson biopic share their birthday wishes for MJ

It’s also been confirmed that today is the last day of filming #MichaelMovie

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— 𝓥𝓮𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓪💫 | MJ fan (@iamveronica777) August 29, 2025

Throughout the day, members of the Michael cast took to social media to honor Jackson, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and birthday messages. “It feels surreal to finish this journey on Uncle Michael’s birthday,” Jaafar Jackson posted, thanking fans for their support and promising a performance that will “make him proud.”

Other cast members echoed the sentiment, noting how the timing of the wrap date felt like a blessing. The film’s producers also expressed gratitude to Michael’s family and fans for their patience, emphasizing their commitment to telling his story with respect and depth.

Release Date Confirmed

Alongside the celebration came the official announcement: Michael will hit theaters in April 2026. The film is expected to cover Michael Jackson’s meteoric rise to superstardom, his groundbreaking artistry, and his lasting cultural impact, while also addressing key moments in his personal life.

With a star-studded cast, the involvement of Michael’s estate, and the emotional weight of Jaafar Jackson embodying his uncle, anticipation for the film is sky-high.

A Timely Tribute

The coincidence of finishing production on Jackson’s birthday wasn’t lost on fans, who flooded social media with tributes of their own. From dance challenges to cover performances, the day became a worldwide celebration of Michael’s music and legacy—fueled further by the buzz surrounding the upcoming film.

As the countdown to April 2026 begins, one thing is clear: the King of Pop’s influence remains as powerful as ever, and Michael is shaping up to be a cinematic tribute worthy of his name.