Janet Jackson declined to be portrayed in the new biopic about her brother Michael Jackson, according to her sister La Toya Jackson.
The film, titled Michael, was released this week (April 22) and follows the King of Pop’s life from his early days with the Jackson 5 through to the height of his success after the release of Bad. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, takes on the lead role, with the project made in cooperation with the late singer’s estate.
While most members of the Jackson family are depicted on screen, Janet—one of the most globally recognised figures in the family—is notably absent.
Speaking at the film’s premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, La Toya confirmed that her sister had been approached but chose not to take part.
“I wish everybody was in the movie,” she said. “She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes.”
La Toya Jackson says Jaafar Jackson's performance in #MichaelMovie is so convincing, she and her family would think they were "watching Mike." pic.twitter.com/40bCXQAS7U
— Variety (@Variety) April 21, 2026
Director Antoine Fuqua echoed that sentiment, saying: “I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it’s OK. She’s supportive of Jaafar and that’s what matters.” He also stressed that it was “very important” to involve the Jackson family in telling Michael’s story, adding: “You’re telling somebody’s life, you want to make sure that they’re happy.”
#MichaelMovie director Antoine Fuqua says thinking about Michael Jackson's legacy helped him push through the film's production troubles. pic.twitter.com/sUUnEM0iP0
— Variety (@Variety) April 21, 2026
The film features a number of key figures from the Jackson family, with Colman Domingo portraying patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Jessica Sula taking on the role of La Toya. A younger version of Michael is played by Juliano Valdi.
Behind the scenes, the Jackson estate is closely involved in the production, with Michael’s son Prince Jackson serving as an executive producer. However, his siblings Paris Jackson and Bigi Jackson are not involved.
Paris has been openly critical of the film, claiming it contains “a lot of inaccuracies” and “a lot of full blown lies.” In a video shared on social media, she said: “The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy. And they’re going to be happy with it.”
Paris Jackson is wishing Colman Domingo and cousin Jafaar Jackson "success and joy and happiness" in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, while speaking to ET at the Vanity Fair Vanities party. pic.twitter.com/UZQ6DMNoEs
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) March 12, 2026
La Toya, however, praised Jaafar’s portrayal of her late brother, saying: “Oh my gosh, I have to tell you that Jaafar was absolutely fabulous… we all forget and think that we’re watching Mike. It’s like, ‘Oh, I forgot this is Jaafar.’”
Jaafar Jackson carries even more love, pride and appreciation for his famous family after doing a deeper dive into his lineage while preparing to play Uncle Michael Jackson in ‘Michael.’ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BNxa94EdFS
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 22, 2026
The production has also faced challenges, with reports that the estate paid up to $15 million (around €14 million) for reshoots. Scenes referencing allegations made by Jordan Chandler were ultimately removed due to legal restrictions tied to past settlements.
Despite the controversy, Michael is now in cinemas, with attention likely to remain on both its portrayal of the pop icon and the notable absence of Janet Jackson from the story.
