Michael is placing Michael Jackson’s fashion legacy at the centre of its storytelling, with an emphasis on recreating some of his most recognisable looks with precision.

The film spans nearly two decades of Jackson’s life, from his early years with the Jackson 5 to the height of his solo career during the Bad era, making costume design a key element in reflecting his evolution.

Costume designer Marci Rodgers said every outfit was built from the ground up, with close attention to fabric, colour and historical accuracy.

“I started with the music,” she said, adding, “I had a research book of over 800 pages of just Michael and his family.” Her goal, she explained, was “to execute out of respect and honor, no matter what.”

The wardrobe includes detailed recreations of the red “Thriller” jacket, the zipper-heavy “Bad” outfit, and coordinated Jackson 5 costumes.

Rodgers noted that capturing these looks required extensive offline research.

“I actually went back to old magazines, like Ebony, Jet Magazine… It wasn’t because of the internet,” she said, explaining how she uncovered details such as beadwork not visible in modern footage.

She also focused on technical elements, including how fabrics behave under stage lighting.

“I was very particular about the weight of the fabric, the sheen of the fabric,” Rodgers said, noting that even the size and clarity of crystals were carefully selected.

Colour accuracy was another priority, particularly when recreating Jackson’s signature reds.

Rodgers explained that different outfits required distinct shades, adding that matching them meant studying how they appeared under varying lighting conditions.

While no original garments were used, Rodgers had access to Jackson’s archive for reference. She said the process avoided creative liberties, focusing instead on authenticity. “The entire project was really, really an honor,” she added.

Michael is now playing in theatres. Watch the official trailer below.