Thousands of Michael Jackson fans gathered in Berlin on April 10 for the advance premiere of a new biopic about the late pop icon. The film, titled *Michael*, stars Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role and is poised to become one of the highest-grossing biopics of its kind.

Only about 4,000 attendees secured seats for the early screening through prize draws, while the broader crowd participated in a variety of related events held throughout the weekend, including panel discussions with the film’s production team, a dedicated exhibition on Jackson’s life, and themed parties.

Michael Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50 due to a propofol overdose, remains a figure of significant public interest despite controversy surrounding his legacy. During his lifetime, Jackson faced multiple child abuse allegations, culminating in a high-profile 2005 criminal trial in which he was acquitted. After his death, several civil lawsuits were filed by other alleged victims, with some ongoing. Jackson himself was never convicted in a criminal or civil court.

Fans at the Berlin premiere expressed unwavering support for Jackson. One attendee, Andy Escobar, an American aircraft mechanic, said his school nickname was “MJ” in tribute to the singer. Megane Kittler, a French educator living in Berlin, emphasized the importance of the 2005 legal outcome, stating, “He was found not guilty.”

Initial plans for the biopic reportedly included a focus on the impact of the abuse allegations on Jackson’s life and career. However, according to reports from the film industry, approximately one-third of the movie was cut after legal advisors representing the Jackson estate invoked a settlement clause that prohibited mentioning a particular accuser. This legal constraint required significant rewrites and delayed the film’s release, originally slated for April 18, 2025.

Produced by Lionsgate, *Michael* is anticipated to generate around $700 million in global box office revenue, a figure that would position it among the most financially successful music biopics to date. It is expected to trail only behind *Bohemian Rhapsody*, the Queen biopic that earned approximately $910 million worldwide.

The film’s premiere in Berlin marks the beginning of a broader rollout ahead of its official release two weeks later, reflecting both the enduring popularity of the artist and the continued complexities surrounding his legacy.