He’s not just looking at the man in the mirror; he’s becoming the man in the mirror. Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson has blown fans away by fully embodying pop idol (and his moves) in a first-look image for the upcoming ‘Michael‘ biopic. Helmed by director Antoine Fuqua, Lionsgate’s currently in-production biographical film “will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” as per the logline.
“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. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
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Director Fuqua shared Jaafar Jackson’s impressive transformation into Michael Jackson on Instagram, showcasing his lean physique and signature Dangerous Tour look. The post included Jaafar’s photograph by renowned photographer Kevin Mazur, who has captured Michael Jackson throughout his career, along with the caption, “Photograph by the renowned photographer Kevin Mazur, who documented Michael’s final rehearsal, and is now the first to photograph Jaafar in character as Michael.”
Mazur, who took the first-look image of Jaafar, described his experience, saying, “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.” He further added, “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.”
Fuqua will direct the biopic based on John Logan’s screenplay, which aims to provide “an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop.” The biopic will even showcase some of his most popular/memorable performances with “informed insight” into Jackson’s creative approach, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist’s mind. Jaafar Jackson takes on the lead role, joined by Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as MJ’s father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as his mother Katherine Jackson, Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.
Talking about the casting choice of Jaafar as MJ, in an official statement, producer Graham King said, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael.” While director Antoine Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and 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.”
The production of ‘Michael‘ involves Graham King and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, Branca and John McClain. Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution, while Universal Pictures International will oversee all territories except Japan, which falls under the purview of Lionsgate.
‘Michael‘ hits in theatres on April 18, 2025.
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