Michael has become one of the biggest movie stories of 2026, but the biopic left out one of the most important people in Michael Jackson‘s life. Janet Jackson does not appear in the film, despite her close relationship with her brother and her own enormous place in music history.
The omission became a talking point after the movie’s release, particularly because Janet and Michael shared one of their most famous collaborations with “Scream.” With the film becoming a major box-office success and a sequel already in development, questions about Janet’s absence have only become more relevant.
Now, comments from Michael’s real-life nephew and the film’s star, Jaafar Jackson, may offer the clearest explanation yet. In a recent interview with GQ Middle East, Jaafar suggested Janet may have wanted to leave the door open for a project of her own rather than have another actor portray her in Michael.
Jaafar Jackson Hints At Janet’s Reason For Staying Out Of Michael
Janet’s absence was not presented publicly as a family feud. At the film’s Hollywood premiere, her sister La Toya Jackson said Janet had been approached but chose not to participate.
“She was asked and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes,” La Toya said.
Director Antoine Fuqua also pushed back against the idea that Janet’s absence reflected any hostility toward the movie. “I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it’s okay,” Fuqua said, adding that she was “supportive of Jaafar and that’s what matters.”
Jaafar’s comments now provide another possible explanation. Discussing Michael and the possibility of future projects, he was asked about Janet’s absence and appeared to suggest that she could eventually tell her own story on screen.
“I don’t want to speak too early, but Janet has ideas of maybe doing her own film,” said Jaafar. “So having someone portrayed in this and then choosing a different actor for her own is just…”
Jaafar did not finish the thought, so there is no confirmation that Janet is actually developing a biopic. Still, the comment offers a plausible reason for why she may have chosen not to be represented in Michael.
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A Janet Jackson biopic would also give the singer considerably more control over how her life and career are portrayed. She has a story that extends far beyond her relationship with Michael, from growing up in the Jackson family to becoming one of the biggest pop stars in the world in her own right.
That possibility becomes even more interesting with Michael 2 in development. The first film already left Janet and several other major figures and events outside its timeline, meaning there may be little chance to explore the siblings’ relationship through the planned sequel.
For now, however, there is no official confirmation from Janet Jackson or a studio that a Janet biopic is in development. Jaafar’s comments should therefore be treated as a hint rather than an announcement.
Michael has already become a massive commercial success despite receiving a mixed critical response, with the biographical musical directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson grossing more than $1.01 billion worldwide. That makes it the first biopic in history to cross the $1 billion mark, adding even more weight to the questions surrounding a potential Janet Jackson project.
For now, however, there is no official confirmation from Janet Jackson or a studio that a Janet biopic is in development. Jaafar’s comments should therefore be treated as a hint rather than an announcement.
If Janet eventually chooses to tell her own story on screen, it could offer audiences a very different perspective on the Jackson family and the legacy she built beyond her famous brother.