Michael Jackson surges back into headlines: record-smashing biopic trailer and a new chart milestone for “Thriller”

Michael Jackson dominated pop culture chatter again this week as two stories converged: the first teaser for the upcoming biopic Michael exploded online with more than 116 million views in 24 hours, and “Thriller” vaulted back into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 after Halloween—making Jackson the first artist with Top 10 hits in six different decades. Together, the numbers underline a legacy that continues to scale new peaks 16 years after his passing.

The “Michael” biopic trailer shatters viewing records

Released late last week, the Michael teaser raced past the 100-million mark within a day, a benchmark typically reserved for the biggest franchise films. Early reaction centered on star Jaafar Jackson—Michael’s nephew—whose look, movement, and stage mannerisms drew widespread double-takes from longtime fans and casual viewers alike.

What the film covers

• Scope: From Jackson’s childhood breakthrough to global superstardom, with concert recreations and behind-the-scenes dramatizations.

• Creative team: A prestige director-writer pairing known for muscular, performance-driven biopics and large-scale music sequences.

• Release date: April 24, 2026 (theatrical).

• Music footprint: More than 30 performances are slated to appear in some form, spanning Jackson 5 staples through solo career tentpoles.

The project has also drawn debate. As the teaser arrived, ongoing questions resurfaced about how the film portrays the most controversial chapters of Jackson’s life. Filmmakers have emphasized an intent to present a comprehensive portrait; final judgment will rest on the full cut audiences see next year.

“Thriller” leaps back into the Top 10—history made again

Each October, “Thriller” benefits from a seasonal surge; this year, its momentum carried into November, pushing the track back into the Top 10 on the Hot 100. That single chart move unlocked a statistical rarity: Michael Jackson now has Top 10 hits in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, 2010s, and 2020s.

Why this milestone matters

• Longevity across eras: Very few artists maintain cultural and radio/streaming relevance across multiple format shifts—from vinyl and broadcast TV to streaming platforms and social clips.

• Catalog vitality: Jackson’s catalog continues to behave like a contemporary release slate, with annual viral moments, syncs, and social challenges pulling younger listeners into deep cuts.

• Global resonance: “Thriller” remains a gateway track for new fans worldwide—its re-entry drives discovery of adjacent hits (“Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal”) and of live performance archives that keep engagement high year-round.

The Jaafar Jackson factor: a family connection on the biggest stage

Casting Jaafar Jackson sparked immediate interest for more than resemblance. Insiders point to his lifelong immersion in the family’s musical language—dance vocabulary, phrasing, and timing—that can’t easily be reverse-engineered. For a film that hinges on believability in concert recreations, that authenticity could be decisive. The teaser’s quick cuts showcase silhouette and footwork rather than full routines, suggesting the next trailer will likely expand into longer performance sequences.

What to watch next for Michael Jackson fans

• Second trailer timing: With the first teaser breaking records, expect the next preview to anchor pre-sale information and unveil a longer performance scene.

• Music tie-ins: Watch for playlist campaigns and remastered assets around “Thriller” and other catalog cuts as marketing ramps.

• Awards-season positioning: While the release is set for 2026, early festival chatter may begin if the studio chooses to screen extended footage at spring showcases.

• Ongoing legal and narrative context: Discussions around how the film engages with the most scrutinized periods of Jackson’s life will continue in parallel with promotional beats.

The numbers behind the moment

• 116M+: Day-one views for the Michael teaser, a new watermark for a music-biopic trailer.

• 6 decades: Span of Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 appearances capped by “Thriller”’s latest climb.

• >30: Iconic performances expected to be represented in the film.

• Apr 24, 2026: Theatrical release date circled on the calendar.

The past 48 hours have reaffirmed a familiar truth: Michael Jackson’s cultural gravity remains singular. A record-setting trailer and a history-making chart feat—arriving in the same breath—signal a 2026 biopic that will be judged not just as a film, but as a referendum on how the world continues to remember one of pop’s most transformative, and most debated, figures.