“Everyone remembers where they were when that happened.” The phenomenon, called a flashbulb memory, occurs when people can recall their surroundings in vivid detail the moment they learn of shocking historic events — the moon landing, the fall of the Berlin Wall, September 11th, and more. I will always remember when I was 13 years old at my neighborhood swimming pool, on June 25th, 2009, learning that Michael Jackson had died.

It’s hard — likely impossible, really — to sum up the musician’s legacy in a film, but Antoine Fuqua’s Michael sees that as a challenge worth taking, attempting to capture the life of one of the most famous people in history within a two-hour runtime. In addition to being skeptical that anyone could pull that off, I’m quickly growing tired of the seemingly endless music biopics, from everything between Bohemian Rhapsody to Deliver Me From Nowhere, but I must admit, I left Michael pleasantly surprised. It’s not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination, falling victim to clichéd and formulaic parts of the genre at some points while also playing it far too safe with its characters. But ultimately, the film successfully celebrates the legend’s essence while simultaneously serving as a complex, compelling family drama.

What Is ‘Michael’ About?

Image via Lionsgate

Michael depicts the life of Michael Jackson, and a good portion is dedicated to his early years in Gary, Indiana, as his domineering father Joe (Colman Domingo) attempts to mold him and his siblings into the Jackson 5 and reach superstardom at any cost. Contrastly, his loving mother Katherine (Nia Long) watches on conflicted about Joe’s harsh, abusive methods. Despite how difficult it is to witness, Joe’s ambition and training soon pay off, with the family skyrocketing to the top and making the move to a fancy home in Los Angeles when Michael is around 11.

But that immediate influx of fame comes with a massive amount of pressure for Michael. As he gets older, he struggles to find independence and identity, particularly due to the intense control of his father and his determination to keep the Jackson 5 together indefinitely. Michael may be one of the most beloved people in the world, but he’s also one of the loneliest, and that juxtaposition makes for a fascinating conflict. The film depicts iconic milestones fans will be itching to see, showcasing both the highs (like filming the “Thriller” music video) and lows (the infamous Pepsi commercial fire) of Michael’s career throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s at the peak of his popularity.

‘Michael’s Actors Completely Disappear Into Their Roles, But Most of Them Are Overly Sanitized

Image via Lionsgate

Michael wouldn’t work without an actor who could fully embody him. Full stop. It’s the title of the movie, after all. So the fact that they found not one, but two exceptional young performers to do just that with Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson (yes, there is a relation; Jaafar is the late Michael’s nephew) is a major feat in and of itself. They both have the singing and dancing chops to pull it off — something the entire world will no doubt be looking at with critical eyes — but they also capture Michael’s unique presence and emotional journey. Valdi has a combination of boundless charisma and heartbreaking vulnerability that naturally makes you want to root for and protect him in equal measure. Jackson nails the smallest nuances and eccentricities one associates with Michael without ever feeling like a caricature. There is a devastating rawness to his performance, too, as you can see how much Michael is craving authentic connection yet unable to achieve it, ironically isolated despite everyone knowing his name.

It is because Valdi and Jackson are such strong performers that I wish the script trusted them more by allowing them to play with the less palatable, more complicated parts of his personality. Every human being makes mistakes and has flaws, but Michael only explores the darker, uglier side of one person: Joe. Domingo is unsurprisingly excellent, reminding us once again why he was nominated for an Oscar two years in a row. He can be downright terrifying, and I found myself tensing up and holding my breath every time he came onscreen. He’s hard to read, and the unpredictability and volatility simmering under his surface are palpable and intense.

And yet he is never a one-dimensional villain, either. Domingo imbues him with enough layers and subtleties that, even when Joe is being cruel or manipulative, it’s easy to believe he does truly have his family’s best interests at heart — even if there’s an element of selfishness to it, and even if it’s showcased in a twisted way. The scenes between Joe and Katherine are some of the film’s strongest and most riveting, with a fantastic performance by Long, though she ends up feeling a tad underutilized outside of her major scenes with Domingo. Frankly, there’s enough material for a whole separate film focused solely on their marriage.

‘Michael’ Is a Dazzling Spectacle (Albeit an Incomplete One)

Image via Lionsgate

In addition to Katherine and Joe’s storyline, the film also includes enough footage to make one believe there’s a whole second movie centering on Michael… and that’s because there is. The original film was reportedly around four hours long, and it’s fairly obvious that there were large chunks left on the cutting room floor. The most notable exclusion is that there’s no mention of the singer’s child abuse allegations. (Though there is a scene of him visiting children in the hospital, which is a strange inclusion considering the controversies are overlooked without note.) It’s a notable omission, as there is a clause in one of the accuser’s settlements barring his mention or depiction in Michael that forced the film into expensive reshoots, but it does contribute to the movie’s lack of cohesion.

The film’s ending is less than satisfactory; as magical as it is to see some of Michael’s largest concerts recreated, the direction is uneven, with the interspersed crowd shots taking you out of the performances rather than immersing you in the setting. The fact that the movie ends with several of them back-to-back makes it lose steam quickly, the moment the ending finally feels abrupt and jarring. The choice to conclude the movie with a Marvel-esque “Michael Jackson Will Return” card to tease a sequel comes off like a bit ripped out of a Saturday Night Live sketch, but rest assured, it’s very real. (Both producer Graham King and Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson have talked about the hope and strong possibility for a second movie, depending on this one’s performance. If they were smart, they would’ve called this one Jackson, due to its centering on his time in the Jackson 5, and the sequel Michael, since it would focus on his time as a solo artist, but that’s neither here nor there.)

Michael may not rewrite the musical biopic, but it does just enough to set itself apart and inject a bit of new life into the genre by leaning into the family drama at its core. The performances are top-tier across the board, with Valdi and Jackson immediately becoming stars to watch and Domingo and Long proving once again why they’re considered two of the best in the business. The level of craftsmanship — from the hair and makeup to the costumes and production design — is unmatched, helping to compensate for a weaker screenplay and inconsistent direction. It may not be a masterpiece, but I’ll make a trip to the theater when the inevitable sequel comes around. I have no doubt the King of Pop will be the new King of the Box Office, and unlike Jackson’s 1987 album, that’s not a Bad thing at all.

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Release Date

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April 24, 2026

Runtime

130 minutes

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Writers

John Logan

Producers

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Graham King, John Branca, John McClain

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Pros & Cons

• The performances are excellent, with Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson excellently embodying the King of Pop.
• Colman Domingo is a standout as the domineering yet complex patriarch Joe Jackson, and the film smartly leans into the family drama with him at the core.
• The craftsmanship is excellent, from the hair and makeup to costumes and production design.

• Many of the characters are overly sanitized, with the film afraid to lean into their flaws.
• The ending loses steam quickly, and the movie feels incomplete due to odd directorial choices, a weak screenplay, and obvious hopes for a sequel.

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Jennifer Lopez isn’t looking for anything serious from her alleged “rebound” relationship with her Netflix co-star, Brett Goldstein. The “Let’s Get Loud” singer made headlines in April 2025 after a source shared that she and Goldstein were getting friendly on the set of their movie, “Office Romance,” which was filmed just three months after the superstar finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck. Today, more details are coming to light.

Jennifer Lopez Is Reportedly Ready To Move On From ‘Rebound’ Relationship With Her Netflix Co-Star

A source who spoke to In Touch told the outlet that, despite hitting it off with Goldstein last summer, Lopez is not looking for anything serious at the moment. “She had fun with him, there’s no denying that, and she still thinks he’s a genuinely lovely guy, but it was never going to turn into anything serious for her,” the insider said, adding that the singer allegedly always saw him “as a rebound.”

The insider claimed that Lopez enjoyed her time with the actor while filming; however, he doesn’t meet all of her needs. “She is someone who has a very clear vision for her life, she knows what it takes for a man to hold her interest long term and she doesn’t want to set anyone up for failure,” they added.

Goldstein Reportedly Doesn’t Fit In With The Jennifer Lopez Brand

Lopez, who appeared in “In Living Color” before becoming a bona fide superstar, is reportedly looking out for herself and Goldstein with her decision.

“This isn’t just about what she wants on a personal level,” the source said. “She has brand J.Lo to think of and after being dumped so publicly by a huge A-list movie star like Ben, her next boyfriend needs to match him on every level, from star quality to bank balance.”

The news of Lopez’s alleged stance on her reported fling with Goldstein comes months after she wrapped the Netflix film “Office Romance.” At the time, a source told In Touch that the pair had been flourishing under the bright lights, citing their “obvious chemistry.”

“They’re both professional and ready to deliver their lines when the cameras are rolling, but in between, it’s a flirt fest,” the insider added. “Brett fawns all over Jennifer, and she’s absolutely loving the attention. He is so adoring, which is exactly what she needs right now.”

Goldstein Reportedly Helped Jennifer Lopez Get Her Sexy Back

Lopez’s involvement in “Office Romance” came just three months after she finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck. Their relationship was messy, divorcing two years after saying “I Do” in front of their family and friends in August 2022.

Lopez’s sudden split from the “Hypnotic” star reportedly left her bummed and impacted her confidence. Her alleged budding romance with Goldstein, though, helped her get through it.

“She’s much happier now. Everyone has noticed the change. There’s a new carefree energy about her,” the source said.

Affleck Got Candid About Living Life With Lopez Despite Hating The Spotlight

In March 2025, Affleck opened up about his highly publicized relationship with Lopez, admitting there was some tension due to their differing views on being public figures.

“My temperament is to be a little bit more reserved and private than hers,” he told GQ. “As happens in relationships, you don’t always have the same attitude towards these things.”

While Affleck preferred to stay away from the spotlight, he said he knew that wouldn’t be possible while married to Lopez.

“You don’t marry a ship captain and then say, ‘Well, I don’t like going out in the water.’ You’ve got to own what you knew going into any relationship,” he said.

Did Lopez And Affleck End Things On Bad Terms?

Despite their divorce being headline-making news, Affleck said that his split from Lopez wasn’t due to any major controversy. “There’s a tendency to look at breakups and want to identify root causes or something,” he said before clearing the air on their breakup.

“There’s no scandal, no soap opera, no intrigue. The truth is, when you talk to somebody, ‘Hey, what happened?’ Well, there is no, ‘This is what happened.’ It’s just a story about people trying to figure out their lives and relationships in ways that we all sort of normally do,” he said.

As Netflix established itself as the destination for high-quality series, many bold, risky sci-fi shows pushed the envelope, going where few other shows would. One such series was The OA. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, The OA was a sensational, high-concept masterpiece that invited viewers to embark on an extraordinary journey. A supernatural mystery drama, the series followed a young woman who forces both the viewers and characters to consider her credibility based on her claim that she’s the “Original Angel.” The OA was a time-bending, multidimensional thriller that knew that making big, daring decisions would help it stand out. Fortunately, it worked in its favor. Ten years later, The OA remains a mindbending masterpiece that no one has dared to try to replicate.

A general synopsis of The OA might baffle you to the point that you may scroll by the series when searching for something to watch. But the truth is, The OA was far too complex to be put into a box. The drama follows Prairie Johnson (Marling), a woman who resurfaces after seven years. Once blind, she has her sight restored and now calls herself the OA. She recruits five strangers, known as the Crestwood Five — Steve Winchell (Patrick Gibson), Alphonso “French” Sosa (Brandon Perea), Buck Vu (Ian Alexander), Jesse Mills (Brendan Meyer), and Betty Broderick-Allen, better known as BBA (Phyllis Smith) — to help her save captured people held by Hap, also known as Dr. Percy (Jason Isaacs) by traveling between dimensions using near-death experiences and five specific “movements.” It’s a wild concept that sounds like it’s far too bizarre to work, but it did.

The OA first took on the appearance of a science-fiction story and then a mystery thriller, all the while maintaining its question of asking who Prairie is. Dimension 1 included the initial kidnapping, where Dr. Hap experiments on Prairie and four other NDEs, and also included the movements preventing a school shooting. In Dimension 2, Prairie jumps into a new dimension where she inhabits a version of herself named Nina Azarov, who helps PI Karim Washington (Kingsley Ben-Adir) search for a missing girl. Yet still, the Crestwood Five and the Haptives — Homer Roberts (Emory Cohen), Scott Brown (Will Brill), Rachel DeGrosso (Sharon Van Etten), and Renata Duarte (Paz Vega) — remain a necessary piece of the evolving puzzle. Though they may not overlap on screen, the parallels and the connections to Prairie become crucial clues to the many conspiracies created along the way. No other show could undergo such drastic narrative shifts and still remain true to itself like The OA.

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Netflix’s 2-Part Sci-Fi Series Remains One of the Best on Any Streaming Platform 8 Years Later

No sci-fi show dared to go where this Netflix series went.

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With a fervent intensity and a surreal concept, The OA tasked viewers with deciding whether Prairie was a prophet or experiencing a mental health crisis. The story’s ambiguity allowed daring plot moments to carry the series. Using the meta-narrative of Prairie telling her tale to the Crestwood Five, the audience becomes part of the gang that is hearing the story in real time. The OA thrived through its audacious, uncompromising, and deeply emotional storytelling that forced viewers to suspend their disbelief and lean into believing the extraordinary. By consistently surprising viewers through its unconventional narrative constraints, The OA started as a highly original passion project and evolved into a cult classic.

Where ‘The OA’ Might Have Headed Next If It Got More Seasons

For some critics, Marling was too close to the material, leading to some questionable and confusing narrative decisions, which included included the visceral and polarizing Season 1 finale. With co-creator Batmanglij, the series remained true to their vision without compromise. The OA was distinctly unique even as a sci-fi series. The technology was never flashy and straying from a modern technological perspective gave the story a more intimate, timeless feel. The series leaned into the metaphors of resistance, sacrifice, and human connection through shared trauma to carry over into whatever dimension Prairie brought us to.

Without spoiling anything major, by the end of Season 2, a third dimension is discovered— a dimension that creats another massive shift that even breaks the fourth wall. Unfortunately, fans were left with a cliffhanger ending. The OA never found its closure. Originally intended to be a five-season story arc, The OA only had two seasons to capture audiences’ attention. And although it did just that, the business of show became the reason why The OA was cancelled. Even a niche following wasn’t enough to save the series. Everything The OA did was unlike anything that came before or after it. Through two impactful series, The OA encouraged more risks in sci-fi and pushed the viewer to expect the unexpected.

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Release Date

2016 – 2019-00-00

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Network

Netflix

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Directors

Andrew Haigh

Writers

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Dominic Orlando, Henry Bean, Damien Ober, Ruby Rae Spiegel

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Streaming has really taken over in recent years, and many fans love seeing their favorite celebs link up for content. However, these viral link-ups can either go really well or quickly turn into a mess. As for Ryan Garcia, the professional boxer has officially stepped into the streaming world and recently linked up with rapper Trippie Redd. However, things seemed to take a turn shortly after their link-up.

RELATED: Coi Leray Reveals Co-Parenting Status With Trippie Redd & Her Regrets About Going Public With His Infidelity

Ryan Garcia Shares How He Felt After Streaming With Trippie Redd

Ryan Garcia recently linked up with Trippie Redd on stream, where the two listened to music, talked boxing, and more. One clip that’s been going viral shows Ryan recalling that Trippie Redd was a Christian, with Trippie confirming that he does believe in God.

Another moment that caught attention was when Trippie wore an alien mask. Ryan laughed and responded, “What the hell is going on here?” Shortly after, Ryan asked his crew if they were ready to go, told Trippie he was the best, and the two agreed to link up again soon in Miami.

However, once Ryan got in the car, he began talking to his chat and a team member, where they discussed how awkward the link-up felt. Ryan expressed that he could still feel the “dark energy” on him and said he was taken aback by the “666” tattoo on Trippie Redd’s eyelids. The team member also pointed out that it felt like Trippie got uncomfortable when Ryan brought up God.

Ryan responded, “You definitely got to try to still plant the seed right?” He continued, “We’re not gonna judge him.. at all. Put that the light of Jesus shining on them. And sometimes it does make people uncomfortable, and I didn’t wanna make them uncomfortable, and that’s why I didn’t push the issue a lot. But I hope that I planted some type of seed in them, and, you know, I hope them the best.” He added, “yeah, I just try to, you know, use my discernment as best as I can … What do you want? You j want me to side with the world or with God? Like, come on now.”

Trippie Redd Takes To X To Clap Back At Ryan Garcia

Once Trippie Redd and Ryan Garcia’s clips started to make rounds around the net, Trippie took to X to respond. He tweeted, “Talkn bout dark energy, what makes u bright coke ????” He continued to call the professional boxer out with allegations, claiming he was off drugs the first time he met him. In more tweets, Trippie wrote:

“Awwww Ryan couldn’t say n***er in front the all black don be he a coked out washed fighter tryna be a streamer now.” 

Adding, “N**** mad l ain’t wanna box with his sorry a im Trippie Redd ni****go play wit gorlock or sumn this ain’t it sumn this ain’t that”  Following Trippie Redd’s tweet, Ryan ended up tweeting “Demons are angry.”

Social Media Weighs In 

Folks across social media reacted to Trippie Redd and Ryan Garcia’s back-and-forth. While some shared their thoughts on Trippie’s aesthetic, others weighed in on Ryan’s ongoing controversies.

Instagram user @fluffy_webb wrote, “Omg Trippie wanna be all dark and mysterious but when someone says he puts off dark energy its a problem”

Instagram user @beautifulmorethanwords added, “He completely misunderstood trippy it was two faced of him to say tht when he walked away w his brother that mean Ryan was to busy judging what’s was on the outside trippy is shy reserved at first”

While Instagram user @lil_draco47 wrote, “Trip nun but cool people idk what Ryan on”

Instagram user @russomemez wrote, “Ryan ain’t been right since the tank match”

Instagram user @ladyethermusic added, “He says the n word. So did 69 & Zimmerman. Take up for yall selves. Etrrrthing isn’t about money” 

While Instagram user @jhenedareaper wrote, “Why my girl gorlock caught a stray y’all weird”

Instagram user @tris.tancs wrote, “I mean it is weird to hate on someone after u just did a stream with him. Say it to Trippie face tf”

Instagram user @issabadliljawn._ added, “He make all this dark ass music he lives in a all black house. He looks how he look, and he wants us to believe him.”

While Instagram user @maybachmoriarty wrote, “When did all this go this go left? I just seen O them yesterday dapping it up. Then today they got beef? lol damn son”

RELATED: Whew! Ryan Garcia Reportedly Expelled By The World Boxing Council After Using Racial Slurs Online

Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom walked the red carpet in New York City just two days after announcing the birth of their baby son.

Theroux, 54, cut an impressive figure in a navy blue button-up suit while Bloom, 32, turned heads in a black halter gown by Moschino as they attended the world premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Lincoln Center on Monday, April 20. (Theroux has a supporting role in the sequel as Emily Blunt’s on-screen boyfriend.)

On the red carpet, Theroux told People that the best part of fatherhood thus far has been “being able to pour all the love that I have into my son.”

The new parents shared exciting news on Saturday, April 18, that they’d welcomed their first baby, a boy. They have not yet publicly revealed their son’s name.

“He’s here 🕊️ we are so in love,” Theroux and Bloom announced in a joint Instagram post.

They also shared a sweet black-and-white photo of their newborn son laying peacefully across the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice actor’s chest.

Congratulations came flooding in from the couple’s friends and fans, including Theroux’s former wife, Jennifer Aniston, “liking” the baby announcement via Instagram. (Aniston and Theroux got married in 2015 after starring together in the comedy Wanderlust but divorced three years later. Aniston is now dating hypnotist Jim Curtis.)

It has been a whirlwind year for Theroux and Bloom, as the couple tied the knot last March in a private wedding. The ceremony reportedly took place in Tulum, Mexico, with Bloom wearing a white wedding gown designed by Victoria Beckham and Theroux matching in a white tuxedo.

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Related: Justin Theroux and Wife Nicole Brydon Bloom’s Relationship Timeline

Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom may keep things low-key but their romance has been quite the whirlwind. Rumors swirled that the pair were first linked in February 2023 and they were first spotted together a few months later. In May 2023, Theroux — ex-husband to Jennifer Aniston, after all — said that it was […]

News broke in December 2025 that Theroux and Bloom were expecting their first baby. Bloom subsequently opened up to The Hollywood Reporter in February about the impending arrival of her little one.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mom. I love kids,” she said at the time. “I’ve always been looking forward to this chapter in my life, and certainly Justin has been, too.”

Bloom also looked ahead at how she and her Hollywood superstar husband planned to balance parenthood with their busy careers.

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“It’ll have its challenges with going back to work and everything, but I’m just thrilled, very happy,” she said.

Bloom currently stars as Agent Jane Driscoll in NBC’s post-apocalyptic thriller series Paradise and has a lead role in the upcoming movie Handle with Care opposite The Umbrella Academy’s Justin H. Min. Paradise was renewed for a third season by Hulu in March.

Meanwhile, Theroux’s new movie The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens May 1 and he is also attached to the upcoming spy thriller Billion Dollar Spy, along with Russell Crowe, Vera Farmiga and Tony Goldwyn.

It was a state of double vision for fans when they saw the actor who played Michael Jackson and an online impersonator within feet of each other.

The two media sensations came face-to-face this weekend at an event in Los Angeles. Jaafar Jackson, the actor who plays the iconic singer in the upcoming biopic “Michael,” has received praise for fully embodying the role of his late uncle.

This movie would mark Michael Jackson’s nephew’s debut in the professional acting world. Jaafar has previously expressed that he feels honored to step into the music icon’s shoes, even though it’s only before the cameras.

How Many More Michael Jacksons Are Out There?

The media raved after it was revealed that Jaafar, who is Michael’s biological nephew, would be taking the lead role in the upcoming film scheduled to hit screens this weekend. Many waves arose around their resemblance, and artistic qualities align perfectly, especially when the trailer hit the media, with praises resting on fans’ lips for the young star.

Michael’s signature look is not long gone, nor is it tied to the Jackson clan, and this was evidently displayed by an online content creator, Fabio Jackson, at the AFI Lifetime Awards in L.A. Jaafar and Fabio’s eyes met when they both attended the event over the weekend, and the moment was hilarious and uncanny.

Fans say that the young actor appeared to be caught off guard when Fabio walked up to him and even stretched out his hand for a handshake. Photos uploaded by TMZ show the online impersonator side by side with an image of the iconic singer, and safe to say, Fabio clocked the look. It would have been a gasping moment if Jaafar and Fabio showed up to the event in matching iconic Michael outfits.

Jaafar Jackson Gets Praise For His Role In ‘Michael’

The younger actor’s role as the lead character in the biopic has caught the attention of fans. Despite being born into a family of entertainers, this would mark his first professional acting role and might be his first of many. Since Lionsgate released the trailer for the movie, online viewers and even industry stars have taken to the internet with positive feedback about Jaafar.

The two-minute trailer has gotten millions of views and comments filled with compliments about the entertainer amid fans expressing their eager spirits for the film to hit the cinemas. An online viewer noted that watching the portrayal of the iconic singer felt so real, as if Michael was reborn in his nephew’s body.

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“The way he moves… that is genetic memory,” the user gushed. “You can’t teach that level of precision. We are witnessing a resurrection.” The Blast also noted that Antoine Fuqua, one of the directors of “Michael,” told news outlets that he noticed so many similarities between the “Smooth Criminal” singer and his nephew. “[He] sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny.” Fuqua previously noted.

Other Members Of The Cast Had Fans Equally Excited 

“Michael” also stars Nia Long, Colman Domingo, and Miles Teller, who many can’t wait to see on screen. Fans have given the crew their flowers for the casting, noting the actor’s resemblance to the real-life characters. Domingo, who appeared in the trailer in his element as the deceased singer’s father, has viewers thrilled to bits. In the biopic, Domingo is joined by Long to portray Michael Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine.

Many netizens pointed out that Domingo has a good deal of physical resemblance to Joe. More fans are already raising award talk ahead of next year’s Oscars. “Colman Domingo, your 2027 Oscar is ready, sir,”  a fan wrote. “Colman Domingo is scary as F-CK in this clip. He’s clearing all the best supporting actor awards, I fear,” another added. 

Besides the swirling accolades for the actor, other internet users have been looking at the film from a financial aspect, with predictions as to how much it will hit at the box office. The numbers are running in the billions as “Michael” looks to be a success.

Jaafar Jackson Felt Honored By His Role In The Biopic

Esse é o nível de perfeição que o Jaafar Jackson entregou ao dar vida ao tio, Michael Jackson.

Será que vai ser o filme do ano?? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/K79PZnzHxQ

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— Mart B. (@martboficial) April 11, 2026

Back in 2023, the young actor shared his feelings about being cast as the lead character in the Lionsgate biopic. While he is not new to screens, as he has previously been featured on singing and dancing projects, this is the first time he will be stepping into the acting side of the industry.

Jaafar wrote on social media, attached to a photo of him appearing to burst a similar move as his late uncle often did on stage. “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.” The photo showed the then 26-year-old rocking ankle-length slacks, dress shoes, a hat, white socks, and a vest underneath a jacket.

The Blast reported that Jaafar was picked for the role after a global casting search. Graham King, co-producer for the movie, told outlets that he was “the only person to take on this role.” King also noted that the young star had impeccable representation of his late uncle. Jaafar channeling his inner Michael may stem from the childhood memories he has of spending time at Neverland with the late singer.

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Michael Jackson’s Daughter Washed Her Hands Of The Movie

The feud surrounding the production of “Michael” has made headlines over time, involving the late singer’s sister, Janet Jackson, and brother, Jermaine. As much as other members of the family were hands-in on the project, Paris Jackson, the “Beat It” singer’s daughter, decided to step back completely from the project in 2025.

The Blast reports that she had taken herself off the project last September after Domingo suggested she had been “helpful” on set.  Paris clarified in a post, telling the actor not to claim she was involved in the project as she had “0% involvement.” The late singer’s daughter also explained that she decided to step away when she noticed the filmmakers did not address the concerns she brought to their attention.

Paris revealed that she read one of the early script drafts and provided feedback on some parts of the storyline that did not sit right with her. After sharing her detailed concerns with the filmmakers, they allegedly did not take them into account to correct the inaccuracies Paris had highlighted, and this fueled her decision to remove herself from the crew.

Will Michael Jackson’s biopic be the movie of the year?

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Cardi B isn’t letting the drama ruin her moment. The rapper wrapped her “Little Miss Drama Tour” in Atlanta over the weekend, but not before sparking headlines for threatening to cancel the final show over alleged mistreatment of her team at State Farm Arena.

Cardi B Threatens To Cancel Atlanta Show

Ahead of the concert, Cardi took to Instagram Live to voice her frustration, claiming venue staff crossed a line. “Your f-cking employees are being disrespectful… I’m not performing today,” she said. “We got in here, your employees are being f-cking rude for no reason, being rude for no reason.”

She added, “I feel a certain type of way, because you being disrespectful. I did 35 shows, and I never had a problem, and we’ve been kind to everybody.”

The Grammy winner also doubled down on X, writing, “When you hold power and authority, use it with kindness and respect. Never abuse it… because not everyone will endure your arrogance in silence. Treat others exactly like you demand to be treated. Atlanta… I’ll see you soon.”

Turning Up The Heat At After-Party Following Show Drama

Despite the heated exchange, Cardi ultimately hit the stage at State Farm Arena, closing out the final stop of her tour as planned. And she didn’t stop there.

After the show, the “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker kept the energy going, performing again at an after-party held at The Dome Atlanta, proving she wasn’t about to let the situation derail her night. She turned heads in a halter-style snakeskin bodysuit featuring a plunging neckline that highlighted her curves, paired with thigh-high boots.

The fitted silhouette and daring print gave the outfit a fierce vibe, while her glam, complete with sleek hair and dramatic makeup, pulled the whole look together for a true after-party moment.

See the photos here.

Cardi B Sends Strong Message After Show Drama

Cardi B didn’t just address the drama, but she also made sure to show love. Following her April 18 show, the rapper took to X with a pointed message about respect and accountability.

“When you hold power and authority, use it with kindness and respect. Never abuse it… because not everyone will endure your arrogance in silence. Treat others exactly like you demand to be treated. Atlanta… I’ll see you soon,” she wrote.

The Rapper Gets Emotional In ‘Drunk’ Thank You Video

By the next day, Cardi shifted the tone, posting a heartfelt Instagram Reel thanking everyone involved in her “Little Miss Drama Tour.” “A LETTER IS NOT ENOUGH ..Yall gotta hear it from my mouth [red heart emoji]….Thank You, my friends,” she captioned the clip.

“Hey y’all, it is your girl Cardi B, and I have to do this video right now while I’m drunk, so I can tell you how I really, really feel and not overthink while I’m talking,” she said. “I just want to say thank you everybody who came out to the Little Miss Drama Tour and was a part of the ‘Little Miss Drama Tour.’”

She went on to shout out everyone behind the scenes, from production and glam to dancers, venues, catering, security, and even bus drivers, making it clear the tour was a team effort. “I also want to say thank you to everybody because this tour went really, really smooth and it went really smooth because we all did a great job,” she added.

Cardi B’s Tour Has Been Filled With Controversy

This isn’t the first time Cardi B has found herself in the headlines during her “Little Miss Drama Tour.” Back in February, the Grammy-winning rapper sparked backlash after joking on opening night that she’d use “bear mace” to protect herself from ICE agents.

The comment quickly caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security, which responded publicly on X by referencing her past. “As long as she doesn’t drug and rob our agents, we’ll consider that an improvement over her past behavior,” the agency wrote.

Cardi didn’t stay quiet, firing back with her own post, writing, “If we talking about drugs let’s talk about Epstein and friends drugging underage girls to rape them. Why yall don’t wanna talk about the Epstein files?”

Her “Little Miss Drama Tour” kicked off on February 11 in Palm Desert and spanned 35 shows, all in support of her second studio album, “Am I The Drama?,” which dropped in September.

Dylan Sprouse and his wife Barbara Palvin are speaking out after a recent home invasion in their California residence. Reports indicate that the actor tackled the intruder as they waited for authorities to arrive. Despite the alarming situation, the former Disney star responded with his signature humor, downplaying the incident and even showing off karate moves.

Dylan Sprouse And Barbara Palvin Rely On Humor

On April 20, Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin attended the premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada 2” in New York. On the red carpet, the couple broke their silence on the home invasion that occurred at their California residence only days prior.

When E! News reporter Erin Lim Rhodes hinted at the incident, Sprouse said that he planned to address it by doing “performative karate” moves, but Palvin told him that it would be “cringe,” so he didn’t do it. “It’s dealing with the trauma with jokes and fun and all that,” the model said, to which her husband added, “I thought it was funny.”

The Former Disney Star Showed Off His Karate Moves

Dylan Sprouse is showing off his fighting moves at ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ premiere alongside wife Barbara Palvin after their home intruder incident.⁠
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The actor confronted an intruder at their Los Angeles home early Friday morning, tackling and holding the suspect until… pic.twitter.com/ANY3Oq5xoC

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 20, 2026

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Rhodes then asked the couple whether it was “too soon” to talk about the incident or if they had reached the point where they could discuss it with humor. As Sprouse said, “This is actually to my detriment, but I’m not a ‘too soon’ guy in general,” adding that he and Palvin laugh about many things soon after they happen.

“You’ve got to have levity in life. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and there was no more violence than what happened. So, it’s all okay,” Sprouse explained. Palvin added that they’re just happy to be in New York to watch the movie premiere.

In another red carpet interview, this time with Entertainment Tonight, the couple was asked how they were doing. “We’re good. We’re happy,” Palvin said, smiling. Meanwhile, her husband started doing karate chops before saying, “‘Nuff said.”

Dylan Sprouse Reportedly Held The Man At Gunpoint

At about 12:30 a.m. on April 17, 911 received a call from Palvin about an attempted burglary at the home she shared with Sprouse. As reported by The Blast, Sprouse tackled the trespasser on the lawn before his wife called for help. A source told TMZ that the actor held the man at gunpoint before the authorities arrived at the scene.

Authorities noted that the intruder didn’t make it inside the house, but was on the property. As a result, the situation was not considered a burglary but rather a trespassing incident. The unnamed suspect was arrested on outstanding warrants that were not related to the home invasion.

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TMZ obtained the arrest footage showing the man being handcuffed in front of Sprouse’s property, which clearly had “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs on the gate.

The Actor’s Bravery Sparked Mixed Reactions

Dylan Sprouse held a trespasser at gunpoint before tackling him and pinning him to the ground until police arrived at his Hollywood Hills home.

Wife Barbara Palvin, who was home at the time, called 911 reporting the attempted burglary. The suspect was arrested on existing… pic.twitter.com/Dz3HoyqW10

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) April 18, 2026

Many online users praised Sprouse’s quick action, with one saying, “Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Respect. Protecting his home and family.” “That’s when you say ‘I have a man at home’ dude is a super hero,” another person added.

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One user pointed out Sprouse’s transition, saying, “I love how bro got older and literally became a Man… do you know what it means to apprehend a trespasser? Because anything could go wrong.” Another commented, “Dylan Sprouse went full John Wick on a trespasser… From Suite Life kid to Hollywood Hills protector defending his wife like that? Zack grew up and became THAT guy. Real man behavior,” referring to his character, Zack, on Disney’s “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.”

Others, however, pointed out how the situation could have gone awry. One user said Sprouse thought he was in an action movie, adding, “Holding someone at gunpoint isn’t bravery, it’s just a rich guy in the Hollywood Hills desperate to prove he’s more than a former Disney kid.” Another person shared the same sentiment, writing, “People are really celebrating this like it’s heroic, but pulling a gun and playing vigilante could’ve gone sideways real fast this isn’t a movie.”

Inside Dylan Sprouse And Barbara Palvin’s Relationship

Sprouse and Palvin first met in 2017, but it wasn’t until the following year that they started dating. The two appeared in several public events together, with Sprouse supporting his model girlfriend at fashion shows and other events. Sprouse and Palvin often share glimpses of their relationship on social media, posting photos together and writing sweet captions on special occasions.

The couple tied the knot in July 2023 in a church ceremony, followed by a reception at Palvin’s parents’ property in Hungary, where the model is originally from. “This past weekend was supposed to be an intimate event, but we ended up having 115 guests in the end because there are a lot of people we care about,” Palvin posted on Instagram.

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