Antoine Fuqua on Recreating Michael Jackson’s Magic in ‘Michael’

Michael is one of the most anticipated films of 2026—a biopic centered on one of the greatest music artists and entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson. The film is helmed by the ever-versatile filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, known for Training Day—which earned Denzel Washington an Academy Award—and The Equalizer, a franchise that redefined the modern action hero.

For Fuqua, Michael marks a return to his roots in music videos, while taking on the immense responsibility of telling the story of a global icon. Taji Mag’s entertainment journalist and film critic Felipe Patterson caught up with Fuqua during a busy press day to talk about translating that music video sensibility to the big screen, working with a transformative cast, and honoring Jackson’s legacy for a new generation.

Q: You started in music videos, and now you’re essentially crafting a full-length cinematic experience around music. Did you tap into that earlier skill set for this film?

Antoine Fuqua:
Yeah, definitely. That background helped a lot. Understanding how to capture an artist without letting them get lost in all the technical elements—cameras moving, lighting, all of that—it’s something I carried with me. With Michael, the movements are so specific, so you have to capture everything from head to toe.

I even went back to some of the lenses I used back then. I wanted each era to feel authentic—from the film look of the ’60s to the visual shifts into the ’70s and ’80s. The concerts, the flares, the longer lenses—that all came from my music video days.

Q: Out of all the recreated performances, which one stood out the most for you?

Fuqua:
Honestly, all of them. But I really enjoyed filming “Bad.” That’s when you really saw Michael explode as an artist. It had everything—the smoke, the wind, the energy. There was a bit of rock and roll in there too. I had a great time with that one.

Q: Be honest—were you grooving behind the camera while directing?

Fuqua:
(Laughs) Come on, man—you have to. If I’m tired and that music comes on, I’m up. It’s like a cup of coffee.

Q: A lot of people are talking about Jaafar Jackson’s physical resemblance to Michael, but what impressed you more—his embodiment or Coleman Domingo’s performance?

Fuqua:
They’re equal. I remember the first time I saw Jaafar—I thought I was looking at Michael. It blew my mind. Then I did a screen test with him, and it was the same thing. The voice, the movement—it was all there.

And then Coleman… he transformed into Joe Jackson in a way that honestly caught me off guard. He’s such a warm, kind person in real life, but on screen, he was something else. He fully embodied that role.

What impressed me most about Jaafar, though, were the quiet moments—the ones where he’s not performing. The way he carried himself, the subtle body language—that’s where you really see how much he understands Michael.

Q: This film introduces Michael Jackson to a younger generation. Did you feel any pressure in telling that story?

Fuqua:
Absolutely. And I felt honored too. A lot of younger people don’t know Michael’s full journey. They know Thriller, Bad, the global superstar—but they don’t know the young Michael. They don’t know how lonely he could be, or how much pressure he carried.

He had insecurities, just like anyone else. He would put affirmations on mirrors, trying to get into the right headspace. Even the greatest artists deal with fear.

I think that’s important for young people to see—that fear doesn’t mean you stop. Michael pushed through it, and that’s how he became who he was.

Q: What did you take away from this experience that you’ll carry into your future projects?

Fuqua:
I’m always learning. With this film, it reminded me a lot about process—and about giving people space. Whether it’s actors, costume designers, cinematographers—everyone brings something to the table.

On this project, people came out of retirement because of their love for Michael. That kind of passion—it reminds you filmmaking is a team effort. It’s not just the director. It’s a family.

And I think as I get older, I’m starting to appreciate that even more.Catch Michael in theaters on April 24, featuring a star-studded cast. Grab your tickets, bring your best Michael-inspired look, load up on snacks—and try to stay in your seat. This is the kind of film that invites audiences to relive the magic of MJ himself.