Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the “King of Pop” in the upcoming biopic “Michael.”
As reported by The Washington Post, Jackson wrote on Monday in an Instagram post, “I’m humbled and honoured to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”
A singer and songwriter, the younger Jackson has said his father, Jermaine — a former member of the Jackson 5 — discovered and encouraged his musical side.
Jaafar Jackson’s role will be his first in a major film. In 2019, he released a music video, “Got Me Singing,” which showcases his dance moves.
The Jackson 5’s official Instagram account called him “endlessly talented” and said they are “very excited for the world to see what we’ve seen for many years!”
Director Antoine Fuqua said he was proud to announce Jackson’s role in what he called “the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop.”
Written by Tony-winning playwright John Logan and produced by Graham King, who worked on the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, the film is just one of many productions about the legendary but controversial pop singer, who died in 2009 at 50.
A 2022 press release from Lionsgate said the film would offer “an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man” and “informed insight” into his personal life. But the Michael Jackson estate, which has denied any wrongdoing by Jackson, will be involved in the production, raising questions about how far the story will go. (The singer also denied allegations and was acquitted on four counts of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2005.)
