The King of Pop, Reheard, Why Michael Belongs at BFI IMAX

The scale and caliber of the man and the myth that is Michael Jackson can sometimes be difficult to grasp or put into words. His impact is not just measured in records sold or awards collected, but in how deeply he reshaped global culture, collapsing the boundaries between music, film, dance, and fashion into a singular, unmistakable vision. Decades on, his influence still echoes through everything from contemporary pop production to the visual language of performance. That legacy carries a weight that few stories can hold, which is why the arrival of Michael, by Universal Pictures, feels like a cultural event.

A biopic of this magnitude comes with expectation. It is a cinematic moment to capture an energy, a presence, a mythology that defined an era while revealing the person behind it. For an artist whose work was built on spectacle, and sonic innovation, anything less than total immersion risks falling short. That’s why how the film is experienced matters just as much as the story it tells. To truly understand Michael Jackson, his sound, his scale, his significance, it demands to be seen and heard in a way that matches his ambition, where every detail lands with the clarity and impact it was designed to carry.

With Michael, Universal Pictures presents that legacy to a new era, offering a portrait that moves beyond myth into something more layered and human. It’s a film that reactivates history, reminding audiences why Jackson remains a central figure in global culture. This is precisely why the film demands to be experienced at BFI IMAX. With its 65-foot screen, the largest in the UK, the scale alone transforms the viewing into something immersive. Jackson’s performances, already designed to command vast audiences, expand to their full potential, filling the space with a presence that feels immediate and all-encompassing. 

Michael avoids the trap of simplification. Instead, it presents Jackson as both an architect of modern pop and a figure navigating immense personal and public expectations. The film traces his evolution from childhood stardom to global dominance, capturing the tension between the image the world consumed and the person behind it. This duality gives the film its emotional weight, allowing audiences to engage with his story on a deeper level.

A key aspect of the film’s storytelling is his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, whose portrayal carries both intimacy and a weight of responsibility. His performance captures the physicality and emotional depth of Jackson in a way that feels lived-in, due to his natural proximity to the King of Pop. Surrounding him, Nia Long and Laura Harrier bring nuance to the personal relationships that shaped his journey, while Juliano Krue Valdi helps anchor the earlier chapters of his life with sensitivity and detail.

The film’s wider cast adds weight to its narrative scope. Miles Teller and Colman Domingo deliver performances that reflect the wider ecosystem surrounding Jackson’s rise, highlighting the industry, pressure, and influence. Under the direction of Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film balances spectacle with introspection, while producers Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain ensure the story remains grounded in authenticity.

Music is the film’s true backbone. The soundtrack features 13 performances from Jackson himself, spanning the full arc of his career, from the formative energy of The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons to the refined brilliance of his solo work. Tracks drawn from landmark albums like Off the Wall and Thriller anchor the film, creating a sonic timeline that mirrors his artistic evolution. These songs drive the narrative, shaping its rhythm and emotional impact.

In this setting, the soundtrack becomes something physical. The early grooves of the Jackson 5, the polished funk of Off the Wall, and the cinematic scale of Thriller all unfold with a clarity that reveals new details, even to those who know the music by heart. It transforms listening into experience, making BFI IMAX the best place to truly see and hear Michael.

BFI IMAX pairs cutting-edge 4K IMAX with Laser projection with a powerful 12-channel sound system, allowing every element of Jackson’s music to be heard with extraordinary precision. From the layered harmonies to the sharp snap of percussion, the sound moves through you. His voice feels closer, the instrumentation richer, the impact undeniable.

Michael is shaping up to be more than a film, it’s shaping up to be a cultural reintroduction. And at BFI IMAX, it becomes something of an immersive encounter with one of the most influential artists of all time. With its monumental screen, cutting-edge projection, and powerful 12-channel sound, it stands as the nation’s most immersive cinema experience, an essential space to witness, and truly hear, Michael Jackson.

New Wave is opening the door for its community to experience the film the way it was meant to be seen. In collaboration with BFI IMAX, 20 readers will have the opportunity to attend the opening night screening on April 22, with access to a New Wave discounted ticket. It’s a rare chance to witness one of the most anticipated biopics of the year.

Tickets available HERE to experience the film on opening night. Use code NEWWAVEMICHAEL, select the 17:45 screening