Jaafar Jackson, the 27-year-old nephew of the legendary Michael Jackson, is stepping into the iconic shoes of his uncle in an exclusive first-look photo from the upcoming biopic ‘Michael,’ unveiled on 13th February.
In the striking image, Jaafar perfectly channels Michael's '90s style, donning a white button-up over a white V-neck paired with black pants. His hair is elegantly tied back into a low ponytail as he takes centre stage, belting out tunes in a performance that echoes the King of Pop.
Producer Graham King raved about Jaafar's portrayal, stating, "With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could." Director Antoine Fuqua added, "It's Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through magically. You have to experience it to believe it."
Captured by photographer Kevin Mazur, who expressed his excitement at being part of the project, saying, "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.’ For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime — this is how it was."
Also Read: Michael Jackson Biopic Gets 2025 Release Date
The biopic, produced by Lionsgate with a screenplay by John Logan, is set to hit theatres on 18th April 2025. Jaafar, the son of Michael's older brother Jermaine Jackson, is not only a spitting image but also promises a spiritual connection, as noted by director Fuqua. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Miles Teller, adding more star power to this eagerly anticipated tribute to the King of Pop.
– Farheen Ali
