Miles Teller joins Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael'

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Miles Teller is joining the cast of the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.

Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced in a press release Tuesday that Teller will play attorney John Branca in the upcoming film.

Teller's Branca is described as "the unyielding attorney who shepherded Michael Jackson's career as he transitioned from a singing sensation in a boy band to the world-renowned King of Pop."

Teller is known for playing Peter Hayes in the Divergent movies and has also starred in Whiplash, Top Gun: Maverick and The Offer.

"Miles is a compelling screen presence, whom I've admired since watching him in Whiplash. He's the perfect actor to capture John's enigmatic persona," producer Graham King said. "From our earliest development conversations, it was clear the emotional connection that John still has to Michael. He graciously allowed us to use him as a character in the film and I'm thrilled that it's Miles who will portray a relationship that extended over 3 decades, through Michael's greatest triumphs and most difficult days."

The cast of Michael also includes Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Michael's father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson.

Michael will give "a riveting and honest portrayal" of Michael Jackson, who died at age 50 in 2009.

"The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale -- from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his iconic performances," an official synopsis reads.

Michael opens in theaters April 18, 2025.