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Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar Jackson To Play Singer in New Antoine Fuqua-led Biopic
Just a few days after locking in Antoine Fuqua as its director, Lionsgate’s in-development Michael Jackson biographical film, Michael, has bagged its lead star. The late music/dance icon will be portrayed on the big screen by his own 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Fuqua shared the update on his Instagram, accompanying the photo of Jaafar, who can be seen busting out one of MJ’s signature moves. A singer and songwriter himself, Jaafar is no stranger to the world of music and dance and has been in the business since the tender age of 12. He’s the son of Jermaine Jackson, who’s Michael’s brother and one of the members of The Jackson 5.
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Jafaar Jackson | Image: Jourdynn Jackson
While announcing the face of Michael for the biopic, Fuqua welcomed the new star saying, “It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
Based on what we know so far, the upcoming biopic is going to deal with both the beautiful and ugly aspects of King of Pop’s grand life. Michael will reportedly showcase the musician’s meteoric rise to stardom, while also diving into the controversies that ensued later in MJ’s personal life. Antoine Fuqua will direct the movie based on a screenplay written by John Logan, which is set to provide “an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop.” The biopic is also said to showcase a few of the singer’s biggest performances with “informed insight” into Jackson’s creative approach, thus giving us a peek into the mind of the artist.
Antoine Fuqua | Image: IMDb
The biopic’s producer Graham King revealed that they ran a worldwide casting search for the lead role before settling for Jaafar. “I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” stated King. “It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”
Even MJ’s mother Katherine Jackson approves of the choice and is happy with the casting choice. “Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said the late musician’s mother. The 26-year-old artist is among the new breed of rising stars in the entertainment industry. He not only writes his own songs and helps choreograph his moves but is well-versed in playing the piano too. Having been surrounded by a family of iconic entertainers while growing up, Jaafar has an immense knowledge of both music and dance which he brings out via his work. With Michael entering principal photography sometime later this year, we can’t wait to see the artist in action.
Shubhendu Vatsa
Shubhendu Vatsa is an experienced reporter specialising in video game, eSports and technology coverage. A BTech IT graduate, Shubhendu has previously written for entertainment-based publications such as GiveMeSport, Touch, Tap, Play, Attack of the Fanboy, EssentiallySports, Twinfinite and The Load Out.
