Casablanca – The long awaited “Michael” is now screening at Pathé Californie, in collaboration with Film Event Consulting Maroc, bringing audiences closer than ever to the story of MJ.

The film has been making its way across major cities in recent weeks, premiering in Berlin on April 10, followed by Los Angeles on April 20, before expanding across North America and several international markets on April 24.

The role of Michael is played by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, a choice that gives the film an emotional depth that goes beyond a typical biopic.

The film traces the late singer’s journey from his early days as a child star to his rise as one of the most influential artists of all time. 

From the Jackson 5 era, alongside his brothers under the strict guidance of their father, to the moment he stepped into his own as a solo artist, the story unfolds in a way that feels both familiar and newly intimate.

The film also brings back some of Michael Jackson’s most iconic songs, with glimpses of “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It.” 

These moments appear throughout the story like familiar echoes, each one tied to a different chapter of his journey.

There have been countless films and documentaries about Michael Jackson over the years, but this one hits differently. 

It doesn’t just revisit the milestones, the performances, or the evolution of a global icon. It adds something more personal. 

What the audience thought

MWN Lifestyle attended the screening to get a sense of the audience reaction, and the response was largely enthusiastic. 

For many, the experience felt less like watching a film and more like stepping into Michael’s world. 

“It felt like a concert. The music was lively. It was exciting,” one attendee shared.

“I genuinely kind of felt like I was with Michael for some reason. So it was exhilarating and I wish that part two would come out already. So I’m excited for the upcoming movie,” he added.

That sense of immersion came up more than once. “You really feel like you’re in the concert, like you’re living in the moment, with a generation that you don’t belong to,” another viewer highlighted.

If there’s one thing everyone seemed to agree on, it’s Jaafar Jackson’s performance. Playing a global icon is no easy task, but stepping into the role of his own uncle brought something special to it.

A spectator was not only mesmerized by “the dance moves or the singing,” it was more.

“I mean even the tiny mannerisms and the body language. He did an amazing job. And I believe that the casting was perfect,” she shared.

Still, not all feedback was without critique. Some felt that certain performance sequences stretched a bit too long.

“They made the performances a little bit too long. At certain times, we felt like we were inside a concert, which was interesting, but sometimes it felt a bit too much,” one member of the audience said, suggesting that more storytelling moments in between would have added balance.

Others also wished for deeper insight into Michael’s personal life beyond the stage. “The only thing I would also love to have a little bit more is to know more details about his life,” another emphasized.

Cheers to the King of Pop!

Michael 2026 lands in Morocco as more than just a screening. It carries audiences through a wave of nostalgia, performance, and emotion that feels almost lived rather than watched. 

Long after the credits rolled, it lingered in the room, leaving behind the echo of a story that felt very much alive.