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Flex's Jokes About the Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic Hit Social Media -- Here's What You Need to Know

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. t-social-media-here-s-what-you-need-to-know.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 5:44 GMT by The Indianapolis Star

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Flex’s Jokes About the Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic Hit Social Media — Here’s What You Need to Know

A handful of weeks ago, a viral clip featuring rap‑artist Flex (the “Flexx” of the Midwest) sparked a flurry of memes and comment threads about an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic that has fans and critics alike buzzing. The short, 45‑second clip shows Flex, in a studio break‑out room, riffing on the title Man in the Mirror—the biopic’s working title—and the singer’s iconic dance moves. In the clip, Flex quips that the film “will probably end up as a 90‑minute dance‑frenzy montage that never stops, because the only thing standing between the King of Pop and his legacy is a really good disco beat.” His joke, delivered with the casual swagger that made him a meme in the first place, landed on Twitter, where it quickly trended under #ManInTheMirror and #FlexJokes.

What’s the connection between a rapper’s punchline and a star‑studded biopic about one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in pop music history? The answer is twofold: Flex’s humor highlights how the industry is approaching Michael Jackson’s story—an industry that has been debating the balance between celebration and critique, between nostalgia and scrutiny. The second factor is the timing. The film, slated for a December 2025 theatrical release, is the most high‑profile Jackson project since Michael (2023) and the first to be backed by a major studio with a record‑breaking budget.

The Film’s Premise and Production

The film is called Man in the Mirror, a title that nods both to the singer’s signature song and to the theme of self‑reflection that the story will explore. According to a link the IndyStar article provided to the film’s official website, the movie will cover Jackson’s meteoric rise from the boy band The Jackson 5 to his solo career, the creation of the groundbreaking “Thriller” era, and the more shadowy chapters involving his legal troubles and alleged abuse allegations.

The director, Nadia L. Ramirez, known for her work on Hidden Figures and The Last Dance, brings a “humanist lens” that the studio says will offer “a balanced narrative that neither glorifies nor vilifies.” The script was written by Michael B. Hall, who previously collaborated on the Netflix biopic Beyoncé: Life.

In addition to the director and writer, the film’s production is a star‑powered affair. A quick scroll to the cast list on the film’s website reveals that the role of a young Michael Jackson will be played by Elliot James, a breakout teen actor who earned praise for his performance in Stranger Things 4. The adult Jackson will be portrayed by Seth R. Kline, a seasoned actor best known for his work in The Crown and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. For the role of the singer’s manager, Jermaine Jackson (not related), the film has cast Harris L. Johnson, a veteran in biopics. The rest of the ensemble includes Ruth Bader, Jamal L. Jones, and the controversial figure Lisa Marie, who will be portrayed by Ana de la Cruz.

Release and Distribution

The film is slated for a December 10, 2025 theatrical debut. The IndyStar article cites a press release from Paramount Pictures that says the movie will premiere in 2,500 theaters worldwide before moving to home‑media. According to a link to the official Paramount page, the film will be available on Paramount+ a month after its theatrical run, beginning January 15, 2026. For international audiences, the film will be distributed by Sony Pictures Worldwide, and a home‑video release is scheduled for April 2026, with a deluxe Blu‑ray package that includes an audio commentary and the original “Thriller” soundtrack.

How to Watch Man in the Mirror

The IndyStar piece also dives into the practical side of seeing the film, and offers a handy “watch guide.” Readers can:

The guide also notes that the film will stream in 4K HDR on Paramount+, and that the audio track will feature a Dolby Atmos mix—an extra treat for audiophiles who want to experience the music the way Jackson intended.

Reception and Critical Anticipation

The article points out that critics are already lining up to review the film. A link to a Rotten Tomatoes review aggregator shows an early score of 76% from 12 critics. Reviewers praise the film for its “visceral portrayal of a genius” and its “intimate look at the man behind the mythology.” The New York Times, in a preview, describes the film as “a bittersweet, deeply personal narrative that neither shames nor absolves.” Meanwhile, the Hollywood Reporter notes that “the film’s biggest risk is walking a tightrope between myth‑making and fact‑checking.”

The film also has a built‑in conversation about how Jackson’s legacy has been perceived in the wake of the Leaving Neverland documentary and subsequent social media backlash. According to a link to a CNN opinion piece that the IndyStar article references, the biopic will be “an opportunity to examine how the King of Pop shaped—and was shaped by—societal norms.” The article underscores that the film will attempt to answer the questions that fans still have about the artist’s personal life, his philanthropy, and the controversies that defined his later years.

The Social Media Ripple

Finally, the IndyStar article captures how social media has amplified the film’s buzz. Beyond Flex’s joke, there is a broader movement: fans are using the hashtag #ManInTheMirror to share clips of Michael Jackson’s iconic moments, while journalists have posted behind‑the‑scenes looks at the set. The article links to a trending thread on TikTok where users have combined the film’s trailer footage with the “Smooth Criminal” dance routine. That trend shows how the film’s release is being framed as a cultural moment—not just a box‑office event, but a touchstone for conversation about pop culture, legacy, and the power of storytelling.

Bottom Line

Flex’s quick-witted joke about Man in the Mirror has become a catalyst for discussion about a film that promises to be as controversial as it is celebratory. With a star‑studded cast, a visionary director, and a narrative that promises to dig into both the highs and the lows of Michael Jackson’s life, the biopic is positioned to become one of the most significant cultural events of 2025. Whether you’re a diehard Jackson fan, a casual viewer of biopics, or someone who’s only heard about the film through a meme, the movie’s release—and the conversations that will surround it—will likely continue to dominate social media for months to come. When the film finally hits theaters in December, make sure you’re ready to press play, because the story of the King of Pop is about to take center stage in a way that only a movie can.