Lionsgate’s 'Michael' Trailer Breaks Record With 116.2M Views — A New Era for Music Biopics
The teaser for the Jaafar Jackson-starring biopic becomes the most watched music biopic launch in history
The trailer for Lionsgate’s Michael, the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic starring Jaafar Jackson, exploded across the internet this week — drawing an astonishing 116.2 million views in its first 24 hours. The debut set a new record for music biopic launches and sent social feeds into a frenzy as fans and critics reacted to the first full glimpse of the film.
Why the Trailer Went Viral
The trailer blends intimate rehearsal footage, reimagined stage moments and cinematic recreations that capture the scale and spectacle of Jackson’s career. Viewers praised Jaafar Jackson’s physical performance and the film’s production design, and many clips from the trailer were instantly recycled into reaction videos, dance edits and short form tributes across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Social conversation moved fast. Within hours the trailer sparked a wave of fan edits and recreations, with influencers breaking down choreography frame by frame and music critics parsing how the film balances artistry with the complicated parts of Jackson’s life. The combination of family casting, high production values and an aggressive promotional push helped the trailer reach record numbers.
Industry Reaction and What Comes Next
Studio executives and marketing strategists are already calling the trailer’s performance a blueprint for how legacy projects can be marketed in the streaming era. For Lionsgate the trailer’s success delivers instant cultural relevance and raises expectations for box office and streaming performance when the film releases.
The overflow of social engagement also creates an opportunity for tie-ins — soundtrack releases, restored archival footage, and special theatrical events. With Jaafar Jackson stepping into the role, conversations about authenticity and family legacy have dominated headlines, giving Lionsgate both creative acclaim and a complex set of expectations to meet.
Fan Voices and Viral Moments
Reaction highlights included star social posts, dance recreations from top influencers and a surge of younger listeners streaming Jackson’s catalog anew. The trailer reignited global interest in the King of Pop, sending several of his classic songs back into viral playlists and sparking debates about the film’s tone and scope.