First Real Look at Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Upcoming Biopic MICHAEL
Here’s our best look yet at Jaafar Jackson as his uncle Michael Jackson in director Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic Micheal. The photo is from a scene in the film where the King of Pop is performing “Man in the Mirror” from the legendary 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour.
The photo was taken by Kevin Mazur, who was one of the photographers who documented Michael Jackson, capturing rehearsals as he prepared to entertain the world with his “This Is It” concerts. He said of his experience of being on the set of the movie:
“When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson. When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
Producer Graham King said: “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Fuqua added: “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
Fuqua previously talked about the actor, saying: “It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael. Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.”
Fuqua went on to talk about the story that they’re looking to tell with the movie: “Just to tell the facts as we know it, about the artist, about the man, about the human being. You know, the good, bad, and the ugly.” It was previously reported that the film would not shy away from the controversies of Jackson’s life while highlighting the musical accomplishments of his career.
The movie is said to be “an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.”
Joining Jackson in the film is 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi, who will be playing a young version of Michael. The script for the film was written by John Logan, who previously wrote films such as Gladiator and The Aviator.
The movie is set to be released on April 18, 2025.
(Photo: Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate)