The Moonwalk Begins Early: Lionsgate Announces ‘Early Access’ Screenings for Michael Jackson Biopic

Post By DJ Longers
March 12, 2026

The Moonwalk Begins Early: Lionsgate Announces ‘Early Access’ Screenings for Michael Jackson Biopic

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The anticipation for the "cinematic event of a generation" has reached a fever pitch. Lionsgate officially announced this week that fans won't have to wait until the nationwide release on 24th April to witness the life of the King of Pop.

In a move designed to spark early word-of-mouth and reward the most dedicated "Moonwalkers," the studio will host exclusive Early Access screenings on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. The one-night-only event will allow audiences to see the film 48 hours before its global rollout, specifically in premium large formats.

IMAX and Dolby: A "Front-Row Seat" to History

According to Kevin Grayson, President of Worldwide Distribution for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, these early screenings are intended to deliver the ultimate sensory experience.

“The movie captures both the soul and the spectacle of the boy who became the King of Pop,” Grayson said in a statement. “These early access screenings, in IMAX and Dolby Cinema, will immerse audiences in the electrifying performances and bring the power of Michael Jackson's iconic music to life.”

The screenings are expected to sell out rapidly, as they will be held in a limited number of high-end theaters across the United States. Tickets for these special shows went on sale yesterday, Wednesday 11th March, at 6:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 a.m. ET.

The Journey of Jaafar Jackson

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), stars Jaafar Jackson in his breakout film role. As the nephew of the late icon, Jaafar’s casting was seen as a bold choice that promised a level of genetic authenticity never before seen in a musical biopic.

Recent teaser trailers released for the Early Access promotion have offered "unseen footage" that has sent social media into a tailspin, including:

The Jackson 5 Origins: A young Michael (played by Juliano Krue Valdi) being discovered as a "perfect pitch" prodigy in Gary, Indiana.
Solo Stardom: Recreations of iconic world tours and the recording of the Thriller and Bad eras.
The Man in the Mirror: A deep dive into Jackson’s desire to "become the biggest entertainer in the world" while grappling with the loss of his childhood.

A 3.5-Hour Epic

Adding to the hype is the film’s massive scale. Initially rumored to be split into two parts, the final theatrical cut reportedly clocks in at a staggering 3 hours and 30 minutes. The sprawling narrative covers decades of Jackson’s life, supported by an A-list ensemble including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as attorney John Branca.

Despite the lengthy runtime, early test screenings are rumored to have been "breathtaking," with particular praise leveled at Jaafar Jackson’s ability to mirror his uncle's soft-spoken vulnerability alongside his explosive stage presence.

How to Secure Your Seat

While tickets for the 22nd April Early Access are now live on platforms like Fandango and AMC, those waiting for the general release on Friday 24th April, will likely have to wait another week. Most theater chains are expected to open wide-release bookings approximately 7 to 10 days before the premiere.

For the millions of fans who have followed the "King of Pop" since the days of the Apollo Theater, 22nd April represents more than just a movie premiere, it’s a chance to be the first to witness the definitive record of a life that changed music forever.