Jaafar Jackson Takes on the Iconic Role of Michael Jackson in Lionsgate's Biopic 'Michael
A new biopic titled "Michael" is set to tell the life story of the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Lionsgate, is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 24, 2026. The cast includes Hollywood stars like Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, and Laura Harrier, with a special focus on the actor portraying Michael Jackson.
In a surprising move, the role of Michael Jackson is taken on by Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of the late pop icon. Jaafar, a 29-year-old singer, dancer, and actor, is the son of Jermaine Jackson, an original member of the Jackson 5 and one of Michael's older brothers. This marks Jaafar's first acting role, having previously appeared in Jackson-family reality TV shows.
Jaafar's casting as Michael Jackson was approved by his grandmother and Michael's mother, Katharine Jackson, who expressed her support for the decision. The production team behind "Michael" praised Jaafar's ability to embody the spirit and personality of Michael, making him the ideal choice for the role. Additionally, Juliano Krue Valdi will portray young Michael in scenes depicting his childhood and the Jackson 5.
The marketing for "Michael" emphasizes the striking resemblance between Jaafar and Michael Jackson in terms of appearance, voice, and dancing abilities. Jaafar's portrayal of his uncle includes iconic dance moves like the moonwalk and spinning, showcasing his dedication to capturing the essence of Michael's performance style. While Jaafar's vocal skills have yet to be fully showcased, the film is expected to feature official master recordings of Michael Jackson's songs for him to lip-sync to.
With Jaafar's talent in dancing and his physical resemblance to Michael Jackson, "Michael" is poised to offer an authentic portrayal of the pop icon's life and career. Fans eagerly anticipate Jaafar's performance in the lead role, as he steps into the moonwalking shoes of his legendary uncle.