10 Things Michael (2026) Leaves Out

Top 10 Things Michael Leaves Out

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at significant details about Michael Jackson’s early life that were barely touched upon or outright omitted from his 2026 biopic. There will be some spoilers.

#10: Michael’s Early Solo Career

The film implies that throughout his childhood, Michael Jackson was exclusively part of a group act. Upon reaching adulthood, we see Michael break free as a solo artist with albums like “Off the Wall” and “Thriller.” Those albums marked major turning points in Michael’s career, but they were far from his first solo efforts. His first solo studio album was 1972’s “Got to Be There,” which Michael recorded while he was still a young teenager. Michael recorded three more solo studio albums before “Off the Wall.” While Michael didn’t have as much creative freedom on his first four albums, he was already branching out from the family act. The film fast-forwards through this portion of his life, with only a handful of hits being played.

#9: Behind-the-Scenes of “Thriller”

We briefly see Michael filming “Thriller,” but the biopic doesn’t get into any of the iconic video’s behind-the-scenes stories. According to director John Landis, the budget rose to $500,000, about ten times more than the average music video back then. Although the suits weren’t interested in bankrolling what they considered a “vanity video,” funds were raised by packaging “Thriller” with a making-of documentary and selling it. When his parents dropped by the set, Michael supposedly asked Landis to have his father removed, which Joseph denies. Several other big names passed through the set, including Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, Rock Hudson, and the former first lady, Jackie Kennedy. The video also commenced a feud with narrator Vincent Price, who regretted only accepting a flat fee.

#8: Michael’s Early Relationships

While it takes place before either of his marriages, the film tiptoes around Michael Jackson’s love life. Some sources say that Michael’s first girlfriend was a then-teenage Tatum O’Neal, although she claims they had a platonic relationship. He also supposedly kept things platonic with Brooke Shields, who met Jackson as a young teen. According to Shields, dating “terrified” Jackson. Tony winner Stephanie Mills reportedly dated Jackson for about a year and a half. Ola Ray, who appeared as Jackson’s girlfriend in the “Thriller” video, had a real-life fling with him as well. Reflecting on their relationship, Ray said, “I won’t say that I have seen him in his birthday suit, but close enough… Kissing and puppy-love make-out sessions and a little more than that.”

#7: Playing The Scarecrow in “The Wiz”

Michael Jackson didn’t make a ton of feature film appearances. When he did, Jackson usually played himself. An exception was starring as the Scarecrow in the 1978 film version of “The Wiz.” While the cult film wasn’t a huge hit upon release, it did play an important role in Jackson’s solo career. The musical led to Jackson working with Quincy Jones, who oversaw the soundtrack. Although Jones initially had doubts about Jackson’s casting, he was convinced shortly after meeting him. He was so impressed that when Jackson inquired about producers who might be interested in the album that ultimately became “Off the Wall,” Jones offered his services. Kendrick Sampson makes a cameo as Jones, but the film eases on past his collaborations with Michael.

#6: Performing in Strip Clubs

This is very much the PG-13 version of Michael Jackson’s life. During their youth, we see Michael and his brothers performing in public. What the film doesn’t share is that some of those venues were strip clubs. Before Michael was even ten, his father allowed him to watch from the wings as women undressed on stage. Michael was exposed to sexual acts backstage as well. When the brothers were on tour, Jermaine Jackson reportedly had sex with women he brought back to their room, where Michael and Marlon were told to act like they were sleeping. The brothers also looked through a peephole into the ladies’ bathroom while performing in Chicago, receiving protest from Michael. The film, meanwhile, is stripped of virtually any sexual references.

#5: The Jacksons Were Jehovah’s Witnesses

Although Joe Jackson didn’t share his wife’s spiritual beliefs, Katherine Jackson was a devout Jehovah’s Witness. As such, she brought up her children in the Jehovah’s Witness faith. The film makes no mention of Michael’s religious history or how the church would eventually clash with his craft. Shortly before the “Thriller” music video made its debut, Jehovah’s Witness leaders threatened to excommunicate Jackson for promoting “demonology.” Jackson thus ordered John Branca to destroy the video’s negative. Branca ultimately persuaded Jackson to put a disclaimer in front of the video instead. While Jackson claimed he was still a Jehovah’s Witness in 2001, it was reported in 1987 that he had “disassociated” himself from the faith, with the “Thriller” incident likely being a factor.

#4: Michael’s Siblings

Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon are seen performing alongside Michael, but the other four members of the Jackson 5 are essentially glorified extras here. Aside from a passing mention that Jermaine left the group to go solo, the film doesn’t explore the personal or professional lives of Michael’s brothers. Sister La Toya Jackson pops up, although the film doesn’t get into her singing career and complications with her family. Those are just the Jackson siblings who appear in the film. It completely disregards Michael’s eldest sibling, Rebbie, as well as his two youngest siblings, Randy and Janet, the latter of whom has been vocal about her issues with this biopic. Also never mentioned is Brandon, Marlon’s twin brother, who died shortly after being born.

#3: Michael’s Many Surgeries & Health Issues

The film doesn’t ignore the fact that Michael Jackson had plastic surgery and various health issues, like vitiligo. It only scratches the surface of Jackson’s medical history, however. The script also plays around with some details, implying that Michael had his first nose job for vanity purposes. According to biographer Randy Taraborrelli, it was due to an accident after falling off a stage. While reports have varied on how many rhinoplasties Jackson had, he supposedly underwent his third after the Pepsi commercial accident. That incident is depicted, but it only touches upon the aftermath. Michael is seen making a triumphant comeback to the stage. Between his growing dependence on painkillers and ongoing cosmetic procedures, though, it’s debatable if he ever truly recovered from the fire.

#2: Joe Jackson’s Secret Family

Joe Jackson doesn’t come off as the most affectionate father or husband in “Michael,” but the film avoids discussing arguably the patriarch’s biggest scandal. In addition to having extramarital affairs, Jackson fathered a child with Cheryle Terrell. Meeting in the early 70s, Jackson and Terrell had an affair that lasted nearly 25 years. When Jackson told one family he was on business trips, he was actually visiting Terrell and their daughter Joh'Vonnie, who lived about five miles away. It’s unclear when exactly Katherine Jackson learned about her husband’s second family. In any case, they remained married until Joe’s death in 2018, although Katherine filed for divorce once in 1973 and again in 1982. Around the time her father died, Joh'Vonnie published a book: “Bastard Child.”

#1: Michael’s History of Allegations

Initially, the third act of “Michael” was reportedly going to explore the allegations that Jordan Chandler brought against Jackson in 1993. Upon realizing they legally couldn’t depict Chandler or his family, the filmmakers supposedly reworked the finale. While there are conflicting reports on what happened behind the scenes, the film ultimately overlooks any troubling accusations that Jackson faced. This includes his alleged history with accusers James Safechuck and Wade Robson, both of whom Jackson reportedly met between 1986 and 1987. The film ends around that time with the release of “Bad.” Maybe if “Michael” does get a sequel as the ending teases, it’ll delve into Jackson’s future trials. Even if it does, there will likely be debate about what is and isn’t left out.

What did you think of “Michael?” Let us know in the comments.