In honor of the anniversary of “Billie Jean’s” debut on MTV, Lionsgate partnered with Paramount Advertising’s branded content studio Paramount Media Labs to mark the moment with a special Early Access ticket announcement, complete with the iconic MTV News desk and an appearance by MTV VJ legend Bill Bellamy. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” short film was the first music video by a Black artist played in heavy rotation on MTV, a pivotal moment that spurred a transformative shift in music, culture and representation.
The one-night only early screenings will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 — two days before the film’s nationwide opening on April 24. A limited number of showtimes are available.
Screenings will be presented exclusively in premium formats, including IMAX and Dolby, with superior picture and sound quality.
The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career.
