Miles Teller Transforms into John Branca in Michael Jackson Biopic
Miles Teller has undergone a remarkable transformation for his role as John Branca in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.
Fans got their first look at Teller, 38, portraying Jackson’s lawyer John Branca in the Michael trailer, which was released on Thursday, November 6. In the preview, the actor is seen sporting a prosthetic nose and a long wig, with his hair styled in a shaggy manner down to his shoulders and baby bangs parted in the middle, cascading over his forehead.
Dressed in classic attorney fashion, Teller wore a black blazer paired with a crisp white dress shirt.
Fans expressed their varied reactions to his appearance on X.
“He looks like Rat Boy,” one user commented, while another said, “It’s crazy how I almost didn’t recognize him.” A third noted, “He looks so different!” Some reactions were positive, with one fan humorously adding, “Even with that wig, I’d still go for it,” while another praised, “He looks fantastic.” A third user on X echoed this sentiment, saying, “Miles Teller looks amazing.”
In the movie, Teller portrays Branca, 74, who had both a close professional and personal relationship with Jackson, who passed away at the age of 50 in 2009. Jackson was the best man at Branca’s wedding, and after the singer’s death, Branca became a co-executor of his estate, a role he continues to fulfill.
Despite their close bond, Jackson had briefly dismissed Branca in 1990 due to concerns regarding his representation of other artists. They reunited professionally in 1993, but Branca resigned again in 2006 over worries that Jackson was being misadvised. The two reconciled shortly before Jackson’s passing.
According to the film’s official logline, Michael is described as “An in-depth portrayal of Michael Jackson, a complex individual who became the King of Pop. The biopic aims to showcase Jackson’s most iconic performances while offering insights into his artistic journey and personal life.”
The screenplay was penned by John Logan, with Graham King producing, who is known for his work on Bohemian Rhapsody that chronicled Queen’s journey. Branca, along with John McClain, another co-executor of Jackson’s estate, played a role in the film’s production.
Branca discussed the movie in a conversation with Financial Times earlier this month, clarifying that the story is “not defensive at all.”
“Our intent is not to declare Michael’s innocence,” he stated. “The goal is to narrate Michael’s journey. What was his path? Who was he as a person?”
It’s not just the plane, it’s the pilot! Top Gun: Maverick has secured six nominations at the 2023 Oscars, with some of the film’s leading men arriving at the event in style. Notably, a few major stars like Tom Cruise, who is currently busy filming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part II overseas, were also present […]
Branca emphasized, “Michael deserves to tell his own story; there are many who are sharing narratives that aren’t true.”
Additional stars featured in the film include Jaafar Jackson portraying Michael, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. This marks Jaafar’s debut role in a movie, as he is Michael’s nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother.
Michael is slated to premiere in theaters on April 24, 2026.
