Michael Jackson to be played by nephew Jaafar in upcoming biopic

Virgin Radio

31 Jan 2023, 09:44

Jaafar Jackson will be portraying his late uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic about the legendary singer’s life.

Jaafar, the son of Jackson’s brother and Jackson 5 member Jermaine, was revealed as the lead earlier today (31st January), with director Antoine Fuqua saying he was “proud” to announce the news.

A release date for the biopic, Michael, has not yet been announced but Fuqua insisted it would be “coming soon”. In the meantime, a first look image of Jaafar as Jackson has been revealed, with the actor recreating the singer’s iconic choreography complete with his trademark fedora hat.

Speaking about the opportunity, Jaafar took to social media and said: “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.”

In a statement to Variety, Jackson’s mother added Jaafar “embodies my son” and said: “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”

John Logan has written the screenplay for the biopic with Graham King, who was behind Bohemian Rhapsody, as producer. Michael will also be co-produced by the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain.

According to Deadline, the movie will cover Jackson’s beginnings in Jackson 5 and his incredible rise to fame. It will also look at the sexual assault allegations against him in the years leading up to his death in 2009.

Speaking in a statement about the project, director Fuqua said: "The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am.

“For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work — the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.”