The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” hasn’t even hit cinemas yet, but it’s already breaking records.
Within its first 24 hours, the teaser trailer for the AntoineFuqua-directed film drew over 116.2 million views, making it the most-viewed music biopic trailer in history and the biggest trailer launch in Lionsgate’s history, according to analytics firm WaveMetrix. That puts it ahead of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (96.1 million) and Bob Marley: One Love (60.1 million).
Set to arrive in cinemas on April 24, 2026, Michael promises a layered look into the life of one of the world’s most influential artists. It goes beyond the music to trace Michael Jackson’s journey, from a gifted child leading the Jackson Five to a visionary artist whose creativity and ambition made him a global icon. Through intimate moments and reimagined performances, the film offers audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as they’ve never seen him before.
At the heart of it all is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, who makes his feature film debut stepping into the shoes of the King of Pop. “I’m humbled and honoured to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” Jaafar wrote on Instagram. “To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”
Producer Graham King, who also worked on Bohemian Rhapsody, said the young actor’s connection to the role was immediate. “I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” he told Variety. “It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”
Alongside Jaafar, the film stars Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo, with Juliano Krue Valdi portraying young Michael. The film is produced by GrahamKing, JohnBranca, and JohnMcClain — the team behind “This Is It”and “Thriller 40.”
In its first footage, Jaafar is seen recreating some of Michael’s most iconic dance moments, including the moonwalk and a glimpse of the “Thriller” music video.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/montreal-during-fall-right-a-woman-smiles-and-poses-in-montreal.jpg?id=61530402&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=2%2C0%2C3%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you've been noticing more tourists wandering around <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/old-montreal">Old Montreal</a> or struggling to grab a seat on your favourite terrasse this summer, there might be an explanation for it!</p><p>A <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828583129/en/Whats-In-Whats-Out-FlightHub-Reveals-the-Latest-Travel-Shifts-and-Booking-Trends">new report</a> just confirmed what many locals may have already suspected: Montreal is on the rise as a go-to destination in Canada. </p><p>Released on Thursday by FlightHub, the <a href="https://unveiled.flighthub.com">Unveiled 2025 report</a> highlights where North Americans have been travelling over the past year, based on booking data from October 2024 to June 2025. The report looks at everything from popular destinations to travel trends and flight data.</p><p>One section of the report lists the top 10 Canadian destinations for 2025, showing which cities kept travellers curious and coming back. While some of the usual suspects held on to their top spots, Montreal made a noticeable jump this year.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtl21xssPE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtl21xssPE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>The city landed in fifth place — up three spots from last year. According to FlightHub, "Montreal jumped several spots this year by leaning into doing what it does best. Its patios, markets, galleries, lively events, and late-night corners come together in a way that makes staying out feel like part of the plan."</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/best-places-to-live-in-canada-montreal-fourth" target="_blank">Montreal's ranking</a> will be no surprise to anyone who's spent a summer weekend in the city. Between the steady stream of festivals, charming neighbourhoods, and the city's love of good food and long nights, Montreal continues to be a solid pick for both short getaways and longer stays.</p><p>Still, the cities that ranked ahead of Montreal might raise a few eyebrows.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL8oNhvx_YK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL8oNhvx_YK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Toronto came in at number one once again, with FlightHub noting its consistent appeal as a city that "offers personality and something new around every corner." </p><p>Vancouver held its spot at number two, known for its balance of nature and urban life. Calgary ranked third, with easy access to the Rockies and a growing lineup of local festivals and food events. Edmonton took fourth, described in the report as "festival-packed" with enough entertainment to fill a weekend or more.</p><p>Just behind Montreal, Winnipeg landed in sixth place (dropping one spot from last year), while Ottawa climbed two positions to seventh.</p><p>Here's a closer look at the full list:</p><h3>Canada's top ten destinations</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMafrn0o5a6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMafrn0o5a6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><ol><li>Toronto, ON</li><li>Vancouver, BC</li><li>Calgary, AB</li><li>Edmonton, AB</li><li>Montreal, QC</li><li>Winnipeg, MB</li><li>Ottawa, ON</li><li>Kelowna, BC</li><li>Halifax, NS</li><li>Saskatoon, SK</li></ol><h3></h3><br/><p>So while Montreal didn't crack the top three, its steady climb shows the city is continuing to gain traction with North American tourists — and there's a good chance it could climb even higher next year.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
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<p>Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has praised the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, chairman of the presidential committee on tax policy and fiscal reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, and chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zaccheus Adedeji, for their roles in crafting the tax reform bill. Naija News […]</p>
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