Miles Teller has undergone a striking transformation for his role in the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” leaving fans astonished.
The “Top Gun” actor made waves on social media when a first-look image from the film was released on Thursday. In the photo, Teller is seen sporting a longer hairstyle and enhanced with prosthetics, making him almost unrecognizable.
In the film, Teller, 38, takes on the role of John Branca, the late pop icon’s former attorney and manager.
The dramatic change in Teller’s appearance sparked a flurry of comments on social media. “He looks so different!” remarked one user on X, while others drew comparisons between Teller’s new look and that of Journey’s lead singer, Steve Perry.
One user humorously pointed out, “Miles Teller’s wig might be the most controversial part of this film,” reflecting the playful buzz surrounding his transformation.
Some even joked about the casting choice, with one user quipping, “Can’t believe they cast 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.
