Michael Jackson’s nephew, 26-year-old Jaafar Jackson, will play the coveted role in the film, which will chronicle the singer’s life. simply titled MichaelDirected by Antoine Fuqua. “I am humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all fans around the world, see you soon,” the young comedian wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself in Michael Jackson.
“Proud to announce @jaafarjackson as Michael – the cinematic event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon,” director Antoine Fuqua announced on his Instagram account on Monday. His post featured the same photo of the young actor wearing a hat and striking the famous Michael Jackson pose.
The release was quickly picked up by various media outlets including The Hollywood Reporter who was quick to break the news.
The film – powered by Lionsgate and shot in conjunction with his estate – will touch on all aspects of Jackson’s life. However, it is unclear how the various controversies (including allegations of sexual abuse of children, which made headlines again in 2019 with the release of the documentary film Leaving Neverland) around the music icon, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, will be dealt with.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him continue Jackson’s legacy as an artist and performer,” the singer’s mother, Katherine Jackson, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Jaafar Jackson, 26, is the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson and an aspiring singer who released his debut single “Got Me Singing” in 2019.
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by how he organically embodies the spirit and personality of Michael,” the film’s producer, Graham King, told us of the Oscar-winning Queen film, Bohemian Rhapsody. Thanks to. He will be working with John Branca and John McClain, who are co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate.
“It was something so powerful that even after a worldwide search, it was clear he was the only person who would fill the role. I am over the moon that he has come to play his uncle and can’t wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson,” added English producer Graham King.
The screenplay was written by John Logan, who is behind the hit films Gladiator and The Aviator. Filming for the film Michael will begin in 2023.
- Michael Jackson has won 13 Grammys over the course of a rich career that began with the band The Jackson 5. He is still referred to as the King of Pop.