According to Deadline, Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the King of Pop in an upcoming biopic called Michael.
Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael and a member of The Jackson 5.
The 26-year-old has been singing and dancing in the footsteps of his famous family since he was 12.
Michael died in 2009 at the age of 50 from a cocktail of sedatives that led to cardiac arrest.
The biopic, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua for Lionsgate, is being produced by GK Films and co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain.
Jaafar shared his gratitude for landing the role via his Twitter account, along with a black and white photo of himself dressed like his famous late uncle.
It stays in the family: According to Deadline, Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is set to play the King of Pop in an upcoming biopic
Iconic: Jaafar shared his gratitude for the role via his Twitter account, along with a black and white photo of himself dressed like his famous late uncle
Jaafar wrote: “I am humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans around the world, see you soon.”
In the picture, Jaafar wore iconic Michael Look striped trousers with a white t-shirt and jacket, hat and shoes in his signature pose.
Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza.
Earlier this month, Antoine was announced as the director of Lionsgate’s upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, which has been approved by the late pop star’s estate.
Family: The 26-year-old has been singing and dancing in the footsteps of his famous family since he was 12; he is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza; seen with Jermaine Jackson and his then-wife Halima Rashid in 2009. His brother Jermajesty
Legendary family: Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza; seen in 2014
Iconic: Earlier this month, Antoine was announced as the director of Lionsgate’s upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, which has been approved by the late pop star’s estate; Michael seen in 1987
The 56-year-old filmmaker, best known for directing the ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘Training Day’ franchise, will work on the film, titled ‘Michael’, with Oscar winner Graham King.
“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that the combination of film and music is a deep part of who I am,” the director said in a statement.
He continued, “For me there is no artist with the power, charisma and sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to do music videos by looking at his work – the first black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV.”
“His music and these images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story alongside his music on screen was irresistible,” Fuqua enthused.
Last February, Deadline reported that Lionsgate had acquired the distribution rights to the film, which was written by Gladiator writer John Logan.
In a statement, Lionsgate said the film will be “an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man who became the King of Pop.
Legends Never Die: In a statement, Lionsgate said the film will be “an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man who became the King of Pop
It will bring Jackson’s most iconic performances to life as it provides an in-depth look at the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.’
“Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of the cinema,” she said. “As a family, we are honored that our life story will come alive on the big screen.”
Three-time Oscar nominee John Logan wrote the screenplay, while Oscar-winning The Departed producer Graham King will produce with John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate – giving the project access to Jackson’s music will make possible.
Exciting news: Antoine Fuqua has been tapped to helm Lionsgate’s forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic, which has been approved by the late pop star’s estate; seen in 2019
King has won 71 Academy Awards and received a Best Picture nomination for the production of another recent musical biopic – 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
King explained that he was “humbled” to bring the story to screens nearly four decades after meeting the famous family.
He said: “I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and am honored to bring their legacy to the big screen. As I sat at Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I never imagined that almost 38 years later I would have the privilege of being a part of this film.”
King’s biography in collaboration with Jackson’s estate and Logan was first revealed in 2019 but has only now found a studio.
Jackson has sold more than 400 million records worldwide. He has won 15 Grammys, a Golden Globe and has been twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The thriller singer has also been at the center of controversy for decades, and even more so in recent years.
Impressive: The 56-year-old filmmaker, best known for directing the ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘Training Day’ franchise, will work with Oscar winner Graham King on the film, titled ‘Michael’
According to Deadline, the new biopic will span the span of Jackson’s life from his childhood with The Jackson Five through the civil and criminal trials leading up to his death in 2009 at the age of 50.
Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement: “I am delighted that Lionsgate will be a part of this epic film and thrilled to be working with Graham, who has a proven track record of telling iconic life stories in Bohemian Rhapsody to Ali; together with John we couldn’t be in more exceptional hands.”
Given the Jackson family’s involvement in the project, it’s unclear how the film will address the allegations.