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Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's 26-year-old nephew, will play the King of Pop in the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic Michael.
Monday, Lionsgate made the casting announcement for the film, which is being produced by Graham King, the Oscar-winning producer of Bohemian Rhapsody. Jackson is Michael's brother Jermaine Jackson's second-youngest son. He has released his own music; “Got Me Singing,” his first single, was released in 2019. Jackson will make his acting debut in Michael.
King said in a statement, "I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael." Even after conducting a worldwide search, it was evident that he is the only person qualified to assume this role because of something so potent.
Fuqua posted a black-and-white image of Jackson in character on Instagram. Jackson "has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera," Fuqua added in a statement.
“Humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael's story to life,” Jackson wrote on Twitter.
Michael, who passed away in 2009, will be the official portrait of the pop star. John Logan, the Gladiator and The Aviator screenwriter, is writing the script for the movie, which is being made with the help of the singer's estate.
In a statement, Katherine Jackson said, "Jaafar embodies my son." It's wonderful to see him carry on the entertainers and performers of Michael Jackson's past.
