Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson was the spitting image of the late King of Pop in a stunning new snapshot from the long-awaited biopic, Michael.
Jaafar, 27, looked identical to MJ in a curly black wig and sporting facial prosthetics while performing on the film’s set.
Jaafar wore a white tank top, matching shirt and black pants as he belted out the song, with the young star looking unrecognizable in the snap.
Colman Domingo, 54, who plays Mister in The Color Purple, will take on the role of patriarch Joe Jackson, who died in 2018, while Nia Long, 53, will play Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson.
Michael is scheduled for theatrical release on April 18, 2025 in the United States, according to Deadlinewhile Universal is in charge of foreign distribution.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua with a script written by John Logan, the This biographical musical drama follows the life and four-decade career of Michael Jackson, who was one of Jackson’s eight children, five of whom formed the original pop sensation, the Jackson 5.
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson was the spitting image of the late King of Pop in a stunning new snapshot from the highly anticipated biopic, Michael.
Jaafar, 27, looked identical to MJ in a curly black wig and sporting facial prosthetics as he performed on the film’s set, emulating the 1980s and ’90s superstar (pictured in R in 1988).
Logan, 62, has a long history as a playwright and filmmaker, writing or co-writing films such as Gladiator (2000), The Aviator (2004), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007), Hugo (2011) and the James Bond films 007 Skyfall (2012) and Specter (2015).
According to Lionsgate, the film will delve into all aspects of Michael’s life, although it is unknown how or if the most scandalous controversies of his life, including accusations of child sexual abuse, will be addressed, considering the biopic is being made. in conjunction with the singer’s assets.
“Michael will offer audiences a fascinating and honest portrait of the brilliant but complicated man who became the King of Pop,” the official synopsis reads.
‘The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic cinematic scale, from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances.
“Like never before, audiences will experience an inside look at one of the most influential and pioneering artists the world has ever known.”
After production on the film was delayed last year due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, principal photography will now begin on January 22.
Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King is among the producers working on the project which also includes John Branca and John McClain, who are co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate.
Singer Billie Jean died from an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2009, at age 50.
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael, starring Jaafar (pictured) as the music superstar, is scheduled for release on April 18, 2025.
Michael Jackson is pictured during his iconic 1995 performance at the MTV Video Music Awards (pictured)
Jaafar proved he had mastered MJ’s dance moves in a first official still from new biopic Michael
Jaafar, 27, showed he had mastered his late uncle’s signature dance moves as he posed on tiptoe, while wearing a black hat, suit and white blouse; Michael photographed in 1988
Jackson died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2009 at age 50.
The young actor and singer posted a black-and-white photo of himself dressed as the late superstar on January 19, writing, “The journey begins Monday,” referring to the January 22 start date.
The film is expected to be ready for release in April 2025.
The Boys in the Hood star will tell his own life story in his upcoming memoir.
In a statement posted on social media announcing the deal, the author outlined what readers could expect. “My steps toward finding divine purpose have been thoughtful and intentional.”
“For better or worse, you’ll find truth and transparency in the narrative, peppered with ’90s nostalgia.”
“I am humbled and humbled to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” Jaafar wrote on Instagram on January 30, 2023. “To all the fans around the world, see you soon.”
The singer and songwriter, who has been singing and dancing since he was 12, is the son of former Jackson 5 member and solo artist Jermaine Jackson, 69.
‘It’s amazing how much he looks like Michael… he sounds like him, he dances like him, he sings. It’s really strange,” Fuqua said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
“Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found it and introduced it to me and I was impressed.”
Fuqua is coming off directing his third installment in The Equalizer franchise starring Denzel Washington for Sony Pictures.
His previous feature film, Will Smith’s slavery drama Emancipation, was released by Apple in 2022.
Michael Jackson, who rose to fame as a child, was just six years old when he and his older brothers made their debut as the Jackson 5 in 1964.
Jackson released 10 studio albums as a solo artist from 1972 to 2001, following the 10 studio recordings he made as the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons from 1969 to 1975.
Jaafar showed off some of his moves as MJ in a social media photo posted in January 2023, right after landing the role.
Over his four-decade career, Michael’s contributions to music, dance and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture.
With 32 million copies sold worldwide by the end of 1983, Jackson’s Thriller had the distinction of being the best-selling studio album of all time and was ratified by Guinness World Records on February 7, 1984.
In the years since the 1980s, Thriller has established itself as the best-selling album of all time with more than 70 million copies sold worldwide.