A-list actor deemed unrecognizable in Michael Jackson biopic

Miles Teller has been deemed unrecognizable after transforming his look for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael.”

The “Top Gun” star shocked fans as a first-look image from the film went viral on Thursday, showing the actor with a longer hairstyle and some prosthetics.

Teller, 38, stars in the movie as John Branca, Michael’s former attorney and manager.

“He looks so different!” one X user commented under the picture of Teller. Other social media users couldn’t help but compare the actor’s appearance to other stars like Journey frontman Steve Perry.

“Miles Teller’s wig might be the most controversial part of this film,” one netizen reacted on X.

Meanwhile, another joked that they “can’t believe they casted miles teller as ‘white michael jackson’” in the film.

But it’s actually Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who stars as the titular pop legend in the widely anticipated movie.

Jaafar, 29 — who is the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza — announced via Instagram that he had signed on to join the movie in 2023.

“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” he captioned a photo of himself dressed as his uncle. “To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”

Also among the cast is Colman Domingo, who plays Michael’s father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as his mother Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as his sister LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as pioneering music executive Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Deadline reports.

A trailer for the movie was also released on Thursday after months of delays.

The forthcoming biopic follows “Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world,” per its official synopsis.

“Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before,” the description continued.

As we previously reported, the Jackson estate granted music rights to the movie studio.

The King of Pop died at age 50 in 2009 after he suffered a heart attack brought on by an overdose from a lethal prescription drug cocktail.

While the film was originally slated for an October release date, it is now expected to be released in theaters on April 24, 2026.