Miles Teller has left fans doing double takes after debuting a totally new look for his role in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.
The Top Gun: Maverick star is playing John Branca, Jackson’s longtime lawyer and manager, in the highly anticipated film simply titled Michael. To get into character, Teller completely transformed his appearance, growing his hair to shoulder length and wearing facial prosthetics — a look that’s already sparked confusion online.
When a behind-the-scenes photo from the set began circulating, social media lit up with reactions, and plenty of fans thought Teller was actually playing Jackson himself.
One user joked they “had tears in their ears” after realising he wasn’t cast as the King of Pop, while another quipped, “Miles Teller definitely showed up to audition for white Michael Jackson”, reported the Daily Mail. Others joined in on the fun, with one fan asking, “Who put Miles in that wig?” and another saying he looked more suited to play rock legend Steve Perry.
The viral moment quickly turned into a meme fest, with people both poking fun at the transformation and praising Teller’s commitment to the role. Despite the mix-up, the 37-year-old actor is said to be diving deep into the part, with insiders calling it one of his most ambitious performances yet.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the filmmaker behind Training Day and The Equalizer, Michael promises to be a sweeping look at Jackson’s life and legacy. The late singer will be portrayed by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who began filming in 2023.
Originally slated for release last year, the film faced a series of delays because of its lengthy runtime and ongoing edits, but it’s now scheduled to hit cinemas in April 2026.
According to early reports, Michael will chart Jackson’s journey from his early years with the Jackson Five to his rise as one of the most influential performers in music history. The story will explore both the highs of his legendary career and the personal battles that came with fame.
Teller’s casting as Branca adds another layer of intrigue, as the lawyer played a central role in shaping Jackson’s business empire and defending his estate in later years. Fans of the actor are eager to see how he handles such a complex real-life figure, especially with the film expected to cover some of the most controversial chapters of Jackson’s life.
While many are still laughing over the “wig” jokes, others are genuinely excited to see the finished product. “He looks unrecognisable,” one fan wrote, while another commented, “If he’s already confusing people, he’s clearly doing something right.”
With its mix of star power, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes drama, Michael is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of 2026 — and Miles Teller’s new look has already ensured it’s getting plenty of attention before a single scene hits the big screen.
