Janet Jackson Is Missing From ‘Michael’ Biopic—Why She Doesn’t Appear At All

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentJanet Jackson Is Missing From ‘Michael’ Biopic—Why She Doesn’t Appear At AllByMonica Mercuri,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Monica is an entertainment reporter covering TV, film, and music.Follow AuthorApr 24, 2026, 10:52am EDTApr 24, 2026, 10:53am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Michael Jackson Janet Jackson (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesThe Michael Jackson biopic Michael debuted in theaters this weekend. The musical film traces the King of Pop’s life, from his early rise to fame with the Jackson 5 to his famed global solo career. However, many moviegoers have noticed that his sister, Janet Jackson, is not depicted in the film at all and are wondering why.Directed by Antoine Fuqua from a screenplay by John Logan, Michael’s nephew, 29-year-old Jaafar Jackson (the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson) stars in the title role. The film depicts numerous members of Michael Jackson’s family; Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson and Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, while Jessica Sula appears as La Toya Jackson.ForbesThe Big Backlash Against ‘Michael’, ExplainedBy Dani Di PlacidoYounger versions of Michael and his brothers are also featured, including Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson, and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson.Michael’s sister, Janet, is a major star in her own right. She rose to fame in the 1980s with roles on television shows like Good Times and Diff’rent Strokes before launching a music career with albums like Control (1986) and Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). She’s one of the best-selling artists of all time, but she does not appear in Michael and is missing from the biopic altogether.MORE FOR YOUWhy Isn’t Janet Jackson In Mi...