On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the film “Michael,” a biopic about the king of pop, has finally been released in theaters. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, the film has already been a big success. In one weekend, it has already made a huge box office of $217 million. The film features Bubbles, the star’s chimpanzee, as a focal point. Although Bubbles does not appear on screen, a convincing digital double portrays him.
Even though Bubbles is not part of the film’s cast, the monkey is still alive! In light of the biopic’s success, the sanctuary where he resides has provided an update on his well-being. Bubbles was adopted by Michael Jackson in 1983 and is now 43 years old, living in Florida at the Center for Great Apes, a sanctuary for primates. Bubbles was also a public figure during Michael Jackson’s life, making an appearance at the MTV Movie Awards in 1994 and being immortalized by sculptor Jeff Koons in 1988.
The sanctuary where Bubbles lives has shared an update about the chimpanzee since the release of the film. They describe Bubbles as a bright, sensitive, and curious chimpanzee with a gentle nature and strong personality. Bubbles enjoys the comfort of his daily routine and the company of his chimpanzee companions. The sanctuary ensures that Bubbles has learned to live with his fellow chimpanzees over the past two decades, away from the media frenzy.
Furthermore, the Center for Great Apes has addressed false rumors circulating online and raised awareness about AI-generated posts claiming interaction with Bubbles that did not occur in reality. They clarify that Jaafar Jackson did not visit the sanctuary, and any photos suggesting otherwise are generated by artificial intelligence and are not authentic. This serves as an important reminder not to believe everything seen on the internet.
