Jaafar Jackson will camp his uncle Michael Jackson, in the biopic devoted to the king of pop. This is his first film role.
A family story. The long-awaited biopic “Michael”, which will trace the artist’s personal life as well as his most emblematic performances, has found its interpreter. The King of Pop will be portrayed on screen by his own nephew Jaafar Jackson, production and director Antoine Fuqua announced.
At 26, the young man – second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, member of the Jackson 5 and brother of Michael – landed his first major role, according to Variety. He will thus slip into the skin of the King, according to the scenario of John Logan, also author of the scenarios of “Gladiator”, “The Aviator” or “Heavy rain».
Spotted two years ago
The team does not fail to praise the talents of the young artist, starting with the director Antoine Fuqua. “It’s incredibly exciting to see Jaafar bring Michael to life,” he told Variety, noting how the young man “has a natural ability to impersonate Michael and such great chemistry with the camera.”
Tipped for the role for two years, the young man was chosen from a worldwide cast, notes producer Graham King, to whom we owe the successful biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. “I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by how he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” Graham King explained. “It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he was the only person to take on this role.”
While the film is made in collaboration with the heirs of the King of Pop, the choice of Jaafar Jackson also seduced his grandmother Katherine Jackson: “Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of artists and performers,” said the mother of Michael Jackson.
For his part, the young man approaches this heavy task with humility and declared himself “humble and honored to bring to life the story of (his) uncle Michael. To all the fans around the world, see you soon,” he tweeted.
I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.
Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup
— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023
The film does not yet have a release date, but filming is expected to begin this year.