Michael film sets Japanese dub cast for 30 October screenings

Michael will receive a Japanese-language dub in cinemas across Japan from 30 October, with Murase Ayumu voicing Michael Jackson and Otsuka Akio playing his father, Joseph Jackson. The distributor says the dubbed version will screen at 225 cinemas, adding a new way for Japanese audiences to see the 2026 biographical film.

The official campaign announcement also names George Wendlund Asada as the voice of young Michael and Kyoko Sakai as Katherine Jackson. A Japanese-dub trailer has been released alongside the casting news. The announcement describes the film as a portrait of Jackson's rise from a child performer in the Jackson 5 to one of the most influential entertainers in popular music.

The film stars Jaafar Jackson as his uncle and follows Michael's family life, creative ambition and the pressure surrounding his path to global fame. It is directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, with the story centred on the making of the artist behind albums including Off the Wall and Thriller.

The Japanese dub is a theatrical presentation rather than a new film release: Michael is already playing in Japan, while the dubbed screenings begin on 30 October. The official announcement says the dub is intended to bring the dialogue and family drama closer to local audiences, while retaining the film's music-led account of Jackson's life.

Our opinion

This is a useful release for audiences who prefer dubbed screenings, and the cast gives the Japanese version a clear point of difference rather than treating it as a minor localisation note. The strongest news is practical: the date, the 225-cinema rollout and the named cast are all confirmed by the film's official Japanese campaign site. Readers should check local listings before travelling, as the number of participating cinemas does not guarantee every venue will show every screening.

The announcement is also a reminder that the film's Japanese rollout is still active weeks after its original release. With a dedicated trailer and four named performers, the dub looks like a substantial theatrical push rather than a token alternative audio track.