Why Wasn't Janet Jackson in the 'Michael' Movie?
The new movieMichael follows the early career of pop superstar Michael Jackson, and it heavily focuses on his family dynamic, including his driven and somewhat tyrannical father, Joe Jackson, and his close relationship with his mother, Katherine Jackson.
Many of Michael's siblings make appearances in the movie, played by actors, as the film showcases the earliest days of the Jackson 5 before depicting Michael's move toward a solo career, which led to his iconic album, Thriller.
However, many fans noticed that one Jackson family sibling was conspicuously missing, and she's the most famous of them all, after Michael. Janet Jackson was missing from the movie. But why? It turns out that Janet rejected the chance to be in the movie.
Janet Jackson 'Kindly Declined' Being Featured in the 'Michael' Movie, Her Sister Says
According to Entertainment Weekly, Janet is not the only sibling absent from the movie. "The three Jackson siblings not featured are Rebbie, Randy, and Janet, none of whom have publicly addressed their absence in the film," EW reported, but, according to the magazine, none of the three is explaining why.
However, her sister LaToya Jackson and the movie's director explained Janet's absence. She spoke about Janet's decision on video.
"I wish everybody was in the movie," LaToya Jackson told Variety at the film's premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. "She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes."
Janet Jackson was born in 1966.
The Movie's Director Declared His 'Respect & Love' for Janet Jackson
Michael director Antoine Fuqua also told Variety about Janet's decision not to be in the film.
"I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it's okay," he said. "She's supportive of Jaafar and that's what matters."
Jaafar is a reference to Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, who plays the titular role of the pop icon.
The director desired the family's support.Fuqua added to Variety, "You're telling somebody's life, you want to make sure that they're happy," he said.
Michael Jackson's Kids Have Spoken About the Movie
However, not everyone is happy with the movie. Paris Jackson, Michael's daughter, said on social media, "The film panders to a very specific section of my dad's fandom that still lives in the fantasy. And they're going to be happy with it."
His son, Prince, became emotional watching it. "It was really emotional because I hadn't seen my dad in a long time. My gut reaction was I really just wanted a hug from him. And it felt just like my dad. I had to tell Jaafar, like, ‘Hey, I love you. I think you're doing great. But I need to take a moment'," Prince said to 7 News in Australia.
Prince was an executive producer on the film. "I really miss his laughter, his smile, and his grace. He had to deal with so much, and how he was able to navigate it. I wish I could ask him questions about that," he told the site.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 8:30 PM.