Michael Jackson signs with Epic Records in 1978 in Michael (2026 film).
The film places this deal during Michael’s transition to an adult solo career. He signs with Epic for his first adult solo album, Off the Wall, which is produced by Quincy Jones and released in 1979.
This moment follows the Jackson 5’s success with Motown and the family’s move to Encino, California. It marks a shift from Michael’s work as the youngest lead singer of a family group toward his independent identity as a recording artist.
The year 1978 is easy to confuse with 1979, the release year of Off the Wall. In the film’s chronology, the record deal comes first and the album follows the next year.