In the biopic, the chimpanzee Bubbles comes to life as a CGI companion – but one warns: the depiction promotes the wildlife trade.
The film “Michael” will be released in German cinemas on April 23, 2026. The upcoming release is dedicated to the life of Michael Jackson, portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. The film is now also the focus of criticism because of its depiction of a chimpanzee.
Bubbles and Michael Jackson
The animal in question is the chimpanzee Bubbles. This was the artist’s pet during his lifetime and an important part of Michael Jackson’s life. The monkey even had media presence through talk show appearances, so his portrayal in the film is beyond question. Before Bubbles lived with the “Thriller” interpreter, he was born in a research laboratory in Texas. A life in the wilderness was denied him from the start. It is precisely because of the depiction of this chimpanzee that the film work is now facing new headwinds.
Criticism from animal rights activists
The criticism comes from the animal protection organization Humane World for Animals. This sees the portrayal as problematic because the film shows Bubbles as a manageable and affectionate companion who lives in a domestic environment. This is exactly where the problem lies: the biography misleads the audience and conveys a false reality. According to the organization, both the complex needs of chimpanzees, which make them impossible to keep as pets, and the associated cruelty are ignored.
Although the animal is animated exclusively using CGI, animal rights activists argue that this is problematic: the depiction strengthens the belief that such animals can easily be kept as pets. As a result, the global trade in wild animals and the associated suffering of animals could increase, Humane World for Animals reports with concern.
Statement from the animal rights activists
Shortly before the release of “Michael,” Audrey Delsink, senior director at Humane World for Animals, said in a press release: “Romantic depictions of wild animals as companions in films can drive demand for these species as pets and put more animals at risk of being captured from the wild or suffering a lifetime in private homes.”
It continued: “Chimpanzees like Bubbles are also incredibly strong animals that can pose a real threat to the public once they reach maturity. Like all wild animals kept in close contact with humans, Bubbles retained his natural instincts despite captivity. As is often the case, as he grew larger, stronger and more difficult to control, he was eventually given to an animal trainer in California and moved to an accredited sanctuary in Florida in 2005.”
