Here's Why Janet Jackson Isn't in the "Michael" Biopic

Michael is already the second highest-grossing music biopic of all time just two weeks into its theatrical run. The film depicting the King of Pop’s life easily made $217 million worldwide in its first weekend alone, besting Bohemian Rhapsody’s opening numbers of $51 million.

The movie features Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long portraying his parents, Joseph and Katherine Jackson. A number of his siblings also appear in the film, namely Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, Jackie, and LaToya. If you were expecting to see Janet Jackson, too, then you’ll be sorely disappointed.

The second most famous Jackson and Michael’s most-trusted sibling was noticeably absent from the story.

Janet is the youngest of the Jackson siblings and the only one with a successful career comparable to that of her older brother’s. Considered a pop icon with 26 Grammy nominations and 5 wins, Janet is one of the best-selling artists of all time. In 1995, Michael even collaborated with her for Scream, the lead single for his ninth album. So why was she left out of the movie, you might ask?

According to her sister LaToya, it was Janet’s own decision to be removed from the narrative. “I wish everybody was in the movie,” she told Variety. “She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes.”

Though there’s no confirmed explanation as to why Janet opted out of the film, director Antoine Fuqua made it clear that she approves of Jaafar as Michael. “I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it’s okay. She’s supportive of Jaafar and that’s what matters,” he told media.

Their statements are contradictory to a Page Six report that flagged drama in the family during an initial screening of the movie before it hit theaters. During the private event in Los Angeles, Janet reportedly “had something negative about almost every scene,” from the acting to the makeup and even how the actors walked. “It was Janet deciding against the room that this movie wasn’t going to meet her approval.”

While LaToya has since dismissed the story, Janet isn’t the only Jackson who wanted no part in the project. Michael’s only daughter, Paris Jackson, has openly expressed her disapproval for the movie. She shared via Instagram that her notes about what was “dishonest” in the first draft of the script were completely ignored.

After the incident, Paris decided to withdraw her involvement, explaining, “The thing about these biopics is, it’s Hollywood. It’s fantasy land. It’s not real…at the end of the day, that doesn’t really fly with me.”