Michael Jackson Wasn’t a Fan of Flex Playing Him in Man in the Mirror

When it comes to portraying global icons, few roles carry as much weight—and scrutiny—as playing Michael Jackson. In 2004, actor and comedian Flex Alexander stepped into that challenge when he portrayed the King of Pop in VH1’s biographical film Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story. But despite the production’s efforts, one very important person wasn’t impressed: Michael Jackson himself.

The Biopic That Missed the Mark

Man in the Mirror was intended to give audiences a detailed look into Michael’s personal struggles, controversies, and triumphs. Yet the film was met with mixed reactions, largely because many felt it portrayed Michael in a way that didn’t match his essence or spirit—and the biggest critic was the artist being portrayed.

Michael Jackson, known for his perfectionism and attention to detail, reportedly did not approve of Flex’s portrayal. Whether it was the physical transformation, the voice, or the overall execution, he felt the film didn’t capture who he truly was.

Flex Faces the Backlash

Flex Alexander has openly spoken about how difficult the role was. He endured hours of makeup, prosthetics, and strict performance training. Still, viewers criticized the film’s inaccuracies and production quality, and Flex became an easy target for jokes and memes that still circulate today.

But behind the scenes, the most impactful critique was the one that came from Michael himself.

Why Michael Jackson Didn’t Endorse It

Michael had always been highly selective about how his image and story were told. He had no involvement in the film’s production, and the movie was released without his approval or participation. Sources close to him have said he felt the portrayal didn’t reflect his personality, appearance, or legacy the way he believed it should.

In other words, Michael Jackson simply wasn’t a fan of Flex playing him—because he wasn’t a fan of the film at all.

A Role That Lives in Infamy

Today, Man in the Mirror remains one of the most controversial celebrity biopics ever made. While Flex Alexander took on an almost impossible task, the film ultimately didn’t resonate with audiences or with the man it was meant to honor.

Still, the story serves as a reminder of just how difficult it is to portray a legend—and how protective Michael Jackson was of the image he worked his entire life to build.