Okay, I just saw the first teaser for the Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, and I have to say, it’s intriguing. What really struck me is Jaafar Jackson – Michael’s nephew – playing the lead role. He genuinely looks like a young Michael, and the trailer hints at a deep dive into the life and legacy of the ‘King of Pop’. It’s going to be fascinating to see how they portray his story on the big screen.
MICHAEL – in theaters April 24, 2026.
— Michael (@michaelmovie) November 6, 2025
Antoine Fuqua directs and John Logan writes the film Michael, which features a talented cast. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Michael’s demanding father and manager, and Nia Long plays his mother, Katherine Jackson. Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross, and Miles Teller plays John Branca, Michael’s lawyer and manager. Juliano Krue Valdi plays Michael in his childhood.
The preview shows Jaafar paying tribute to Michael Jackson by recreating his famous outfits – including the sparkly jackets and hats – and performing his well-known dance moves. Viewers immediately noticed a striking resemblance between Jaafar and his late uncle, noting similarities in both how they look and how they move.
Jaafar has a strong family connection to the world of music. Born in January 1996, he’s part of the famous Jackson family. His father, Jermaine, and uncles Jackie, Marlon, Tito, Michael, and Randy, were all members of The Jackson 5, a hugely successful group that sold over 150 million records. The musical talent continued with his aunts Janet, La Toya, and Rebbie, who also had thriving careers in music.
Before becoming known for playing Michael, Jaafar was already establishing himself in the entertainment industry. He launched his music career in 2019 with the single “Got Me Singing” and later appeared on the reality show The Jacksons: Next Generation alongside his cousins. In 2021, he collaborated with his uncle, Tito Jackson, and Stevie Wonder on the song “Love One Another.”
In January 2023, Jaafar announced he’d been cast as Michael, sharing his enthusiasm on Instagram. He wrote that he was both humbled and honored to portray his uncle’s life story, and promised fans worldwide he’d see them soon.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jaafar Jackson (@jaafarjackson)
Graham King, the producer of Bohemian Rhapsody, explained that finding the right actor to play Michael Jackson involved a two-year search around the world. He said he was immediately impressed with Jaafar’s ability to capture Michael’s essence. “I first met Jaafar two years ago and was amazed by how naturally he seemed to be Michael,” King stated. “Ultimately, after looking everywhere, it became clear he was the only person who could truly bring the role to life.”
Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, expressed how proud she was of her grandson for embracing this new opportunity. She said he reminded her of her son, Michael, and that it was heartwarming to see him continue the family’s tradition of performance and entertainment.
A new film, made with the support of Michael Jackson’s family, will delve into both his incredible successes and the controversies surrounding his life. Producer Graham King told Variety in 2024 that he aims to portray Jackson as a complex person—to show his humanity without glossing over difficult aspects—and allow viewers to form their own opinions.
Jaafar carefully studied videos of Michael’s performances to get ready for the role, paying close attention to his movements, how he spoke, and how he commanded the stage. In 2024, he explained, “My voice is naturally lower than my uncle Michael’s, which was higher. But we all have a similar quality to our voices – it’s something we inherited as a family.”
Jaafar fondly remembers his late uncle and childhood visits to Neverland Ranch. He recalls playing games like hide-and-seek, enjoying rides, and watching movies with his family. In a 2020 interview, he described those times as simply “having a great time.”
Jaafar remembered being deeply moved when he saw Michael Jackson perform live at The Jacksons’ 30th Anniversary concert in New York, an experience that motivated him to become a musician. Michael’s death in 2009 was incredibly difficult for him. “It was very tough,” Jaafar shared, “I can’t even begin to describe how I felt that day.”
Jaafar has been dating Maddie Simpson for quite some time. They first publicly appeared as a couple in 2018 at an event honoring Quincy Jones. Simpson has been a strong source of support for Jaafar, particularly after he was cast as Michael. She shared on Instagram, praising his incredible dedication and hard work on the role, and expressing her excitement for everyone to see his performance.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Maddie Simpson (@maddiesimpson)
The upcoming film Michael, scheduled for release in 2026, will share the story of Michael Jackson from a personal perspective. Jaafar Jackson, who plays his uncle, is expected to offer a fresh and intimate portrayal, showing Michael not just as a world-famous performer, but as a family member.
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2025-11-07 13:18