Michael Jackson biopic now scheduled to release in April 2026


Los Angeles, (IANS) The biopic based on the life of the King of Pop Michael Jackson titled “Michael” will now release worldwide on April 24, 2026.

The film was earlier scheduled to release in October 2025.

Antoine Fuqua directs, with John Logan as screenwriter and Jaafar Jackson starring as his late uncle. Graham King, an Oscar winner for “The Departed,” produces, reports variety.com.

“‘Michael’ explores the global superstar’s journey to become known to the world as the King of Pop, presenting an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known,” the synopsis reads.

Lionsgate is releasing the film domestically, with Universal handling distribution in the rest of the world except for Japan, which is handled by Kino Films.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said in May that the movie was “likely” to move to 2026.

Although it wrapped production in May 2024, the project underwent reshoots and came in with a lengthy initial cut. Earlier, there had been discussion about releasing the film in two parts.

“Michael” also stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long as family heads Joe and Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller plays John Branca, Jackson’s attorney and advisor.

Larenz Tate plays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, with Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham will appear as Diana Ross.

Other cast members include Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Michael’s older sister; Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark; KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson’s former security-turned-trusted friend and confidante Bill Bray; and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, who first met Michael Jackson when he was just 12 years old, reports variety.com.

It was in 2009, when MJ died of acute propofol intoxication in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 50. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, said that he found Jackson in his bedroom at his North Carolwood Drive home in the Holmby Hills area of the city not breathing and with a weak pulse; he administered CPR to no avail, and security called 9-1-1. Paramedics treated Jackson at the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood.

Later, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner concluded that Jackson's death was a homicide. Jackson had been administered propofol and anti-anxiety benzodiazepines lorazepam and midazolam by his doctor.Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in November 2011, and was released in 2013 after serving two years of his four-year prison sentence with time off for good behavior.Michael Jackson biopic now scheduled to release in April 2026 | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner: A Life of Talent, Impact, and Legacy in Entertainment!

Los Angeles, CA – The world of entertainment recently lost a versatile talent with the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. Best known globally as Theo Huxtable from the iconic The Cosby Show, Warner's career extended far beyond acting, encompassing directing, music, and spoken word poetry. His profound impact on television and culture, coupled with his understated brilliance, solidified his place as a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Warner's untimely death due to an accidental drowning in Costa Rica has deeply saddened his colleagues and fans. His life was a testament to dedication and artistic exploration, leaving behind a rich tapestry of work that continues to resonate.

Biography: From Child Star to Multi-Hyphenate Artist

Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was named with a nod to significant cultural figures: Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. Raised in Los Angeles from the age of five, his interest in performance blossomed early, leading him to enroll in acting schools by age nine. He honed his craft at The Professional Children's School in New York City, graduating as a child performer.

His breakout role arrived in 1984 with Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on NBC's The Cosby Show. As the relatable, fashion-conscious son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, Theo became a cultural touchstone, earning Warner an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. He appeared in all eight seasons of the groundbreaking series, which ran until 1992.

After The Cosby Show, Warner consciously diversified his career, seeking roles that challenged him and exploring his passion for music and directing. He became a respected figure behind the camera, helming episodes of popular sitcoms, and a Grammy-winning musician and poet, further showcasing his artistic depth.

His personal life was largely kept private in later years, though he had notable past relationships with actresses Michelle Thomas and Regina King. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he chose to keep out of the public eye.

Directorial Vision: Behind the Camera

Beyond his celebrated acting, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a seasoned director. His keen understanding of storytelling and character translated effectively behind the lens. He directed episodes for a number of television series, demonstrating his versatility across comedic and dramatic genres.

Notable Directorial Credits Include:
  • The Cosby Show (multiple episodes)
  • The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
  • Malcolm & Eddie (where he also starred)
  • All That
  • Kenan & Kel
  • Reed Between the Lines (where he also starred and executive produced)
  • The Resident (one episode)
Musical & Poetic Soul: A Grammy-Winning Artist

Warner's artistic expression wasn't confined to acting and directing. He was a passionate musician, particularly in the jazz-funk genre, as the frontman for his band Miles Long. His spoken word poetry also gained significant recognition.

Key Musical & Poetic Achievements:
  • The Miles Long Mixtape (2003): His debut jazz-funk EP.
  • Love & Other Social Issues (2007): His second CD.
  • Grammy Award (2015): Won for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his contribution to the Robert Glasper Experiment's cover of Stevie Wonder's "Jesus Children" (featuring Lalah Hathaway).
  • Hiding in Plain View (2022): His spoken word poetry album, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.
  • "Not All Hood" (NAH): Recently launched a podcast exploring Black identity, masculinity, and culture.
A Diverse Acting Filmography: Beyond Theo

While Theo Huxtable remains his most iconic role, Malcolm-Jamal Warner consistently challenged himself with a wide array of characters across television and film, showcasing his range and dedication to his craft.

Selected Acting Filmography (Television & Film):
  • The Cosby Show (1984–1992): Theodore "Theo" Huxtable
  • Here and Now (1992–1993): Shawn (Lead Role)
  • Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000): Malcolm McGee (Co-lead)
  • The Tuskegee Airmen (1995): Leroy Cappy (Television film)
  • Drop Zone (1994): Deputy U.S. Marshal Terry Nessip
  • Jeremiah (2002–2004): Kurdy Mallory
  • Listen Up (2004-2005): Bernie Widmer
  • Fool's Gold (2008): Cordell
  • Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015): Dr. Alex Reed (Lead Role)
  • Major Crimes (2013–2016): Lieutenant Chuck Cooper
  • American Horror Story: Freak Show (2014-2015): Angus T. Jefferson
  • American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016): Al Cowlings
  • Suits (2016–2017): Julius Rowe
  • The Resident (2018–2023): Dr. AJ "The Raptor" Austin (Series Regular)
  • Accused (2023): Kendall Gomillion
  • The Irrational (2023): Dustin Atwood
  • Alert: Missing Persons Unit (2024-2025): Chief Inspector Bill Houston (Recent role)
Awards and Nominations:

Warner's talent was recognized with numerous accolades throughout his career:
  • Primetime Emmy Award Nomination: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (The Cosby Show, 1986)
  • Grammy Award: Best Traditional R&B Performance (2015)
  • Grammy Award Nomination: Best Spoken Word Poetry Album (2022)
  • NAACP Image Award: Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (Reed Between the Lines, 2012)
  • Young Artist Awards: Multiple wins for The Cosby Show.Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s enduring legacy is that of an artist who continually evolved, broke barriers, and used his platform to create meaningful work. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions to entertainment will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come. 
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Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri opens up on her plans of visiting Ram Mandir, Ayodhya

Hyderabad: Krystyna Pyszkova of Czech Republic crowns her successor Opal Suchata of Thailand after she who won the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand, who has been crowned the Miss World 2025, has shared that she plans to visit many temples in India, and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is on her list.

Chuangsri spoke with IANS after her massive win, and spoke about the cultural ties between India and Thailand.

She said, “I would love to visit so many temples here in India. I think it's very charming and like I said that we share a lot of cultures and traditions between India and Thailand. So it would be great to visit and to know those places”.

India and Thailand share a long history of cultural and commercial relations. In Thailand, the ‘Ramayana’ is known as ‘Ramakien’. The Indian epic profoundly influenced Thai literature, art, and royal traditions. The story, while based on the original Indian Ramayana, has been adapted into a distinctive Thai version with its own interpretations and cultural nuances.

'Hyderabad: Krystyna Pyszkova of Czech Republic crowns her successor Opal Suchata of Thailand after she who won the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

Lord Hanuman is given a more prominent role in the Thai version and is sometimes portrayed with a more playful character.

Chuangsri also shared her message for the women of Telangana, the state where the Miss World 2025 grand finale was held.

She said, “I would say that first meeting all of the women here in Telangana, India. You all have really inspired me on this journey with all your strength and resilience and the beauty from within all of you. And all the support and caring that I have received from all of the women here in India. And I think that they are very strong and very capable of all the things they wanted to do in life”.

Opal Suchata Chuangsri has been crowned Miss World 2025 in a star-studded grand finale ceremony which was held on Saturday in Hyderabad, Telangana. She edged out Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia in the grand finale as the latter emerged as the runner-up.For the ceremony, Suchata donned a white gown adorned with opal-like florals. Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri opens up on her plans of visiting Ram Mandir, Ayodhya | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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