In a list of the most anticipated movies of 2026, Michael, a big-budget biopic on global superstar Michael Jackson, ranks at the top. The Michael Jackson biopic is set to release in cinemas worldwide on April 24, 2026. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by John Logan, and starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson essaying Michael’s role, the movie has already generated quite a buzz among moviegoers.
In this blog, we’ll share with you where Michael was shot – let’s get started!
Michael Movie Filming Locations: Where Was The Michael Jackson Biopic Shot?
About Michael The Movie
Michael, the movie, will revolve around the ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson. The movie will chronicle Michael Jackson’s journey, right from his childhood days to his rise to global stardom.
Michael Jackson’s role will be essayed by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who has been preparing for the role for quite some time. Other primary cast members of the movie include Juliano Valdi (Young Michaell), Colman Domingo (Joseph Jackson), Nia Long (Katherine Jackson), Liv Symone (Gladys Knight), and others.
Principal photography was scheduled to begin in mid-2023 for over 80 days, however, the filming was delayed in September 2024 due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Artists, including technicians and actors, went on strike over a labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Filming resumed on January 22, 2024 and wrapped up on May 30, 2024.
The much-anticipated movie will be released by Lionsgate on April 24 in the United States and by Universal Pictures in other territories.
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Michael Movie Filming Locations
Neverland Ranch – Los Olivos, California
Neverland Ranch is a developed property in Santa Barbara County in California. From 1988 to 2005, it served as the home and private amusement park of Michael Jackson. After years of neglect, the property has been given a makeover in 2024.
Biltmore Hotel – Los Angeles, California
This luxury hotel has been a historic landmark in Los Angeles, opening in 1923. Blending historic charm with modern luxury, the hotel has served as a shooting location for many other movies including Oppenheimer, Pretty Woman, Vertigo, A Star Is Born, and Misery.
Santa Barbara, California
A majority of filming of Michael took place in Santa Barbara, California. The city offers a perfect mix of coastal relaxation and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Spanish-colonial architecture, stroll on the clean beaches, and visit a number of historical monuments, cafes, and other establishments. Top attractions in Santa Barbara include Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Steams Wharf, Shoreline Park, The Funk Zone, Lotusland, Butterfly Beach, and 1000 Steps Beach among others.
Hayvenhurst
Hayvenhurst is a compound in the Encino neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley in California. It is known as the home of the Jackson family. It includes five bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, along with three small stores, a movie theater, a koi pond, and even a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs diorama.
Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita is a suburb in California’s Los Angeles County. The city is best known for the famous Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park. There’s also an adjacent summertime water park. The prehistoric stone formations of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park also serve as a backdrop for many movies. Other movies and shows shot in Santa Clarita are Beef, One Battle After Another, The Mentalist, The Office, Oppenheimer, and Whiplash among others.
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Summing Up
In this blog, we’ve listed all the locations where Michael Jackson’s biopic was shot. Michael movie filming locations majorly included parts in Los Angeles, including his former home as well as the suburbs of Santa Clarita and Santa Barbara. Did you take note of these Michael movie filming locations and have you booked your tickets yet?
FAQs
Is The Michael Biopic Delayed?
Michael was scheduled to hit theaters in April 2025, after which it got delayed to October 2025. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike also caused delays in filming. Now it is releasing in theaters in April 2026.
Is Jaafar Jackson Related To Michael Jackson?
Yes. Jaafar Jackson is Michael Jackson’s nephew. He is set to portray Michael Jackson in his biopic Michael releasing globally in April 2026.
Did Michael Jackson Come To India?
Yes. Michael Jackson visited India in 1996 for his HIStory World Tour to Mumbai.
