Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed to play him in new biopic

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By Asiya Ali

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Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson has been confirmed to portray the King of Pop in Lionsgate's forthcoming biopic.

Fans of the late Thriller hitmaker will be able to follow his incredible musical tale in the long-awaited movie, Michael, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, and which is set to be released in 2025.

The 'Billie Jean' singer started his stellar career as a member of the Jackson Five - consisting of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon - and soon became one of the best-selling musicians of all time, winning several awards across his four-decade career.

The film will depict the complicated legacy of one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th Century, including "the most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time," as cited by Variety.

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A biopic on the King of Pop's life will be released in 2025. Credit: Frank Edwards / Getty

The project has the Jackson estate's approval, and Graham King - who produced the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody - is co-producing the movie alongside John Branca and John McClain, the executors of Jackson’s estate.

According to Rolling Stone, an official synopsis for the project reads: "Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.

"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," it concluded.

The 'Beat It' star's nephew Jaafar Jackson - who is the son of Jermaine Jackson - will take on the titular role of his uncle.

The 27-year-old took to Instagram to share a photograph of himself looking like Jackson himself as he performed one of the entertainer's best-known dance moves and expressed his gratitude for being selected in the caption.

"I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life," he penned when the film’s production was initially announced. "To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon."

Producer King revealed that the team administered a worldwide casting search before finding the actor who would portray Jackson. "I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael," he said, per Variety.

"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," he added.

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Michael Jackson did his iconic moonwalk during his HIStory tour in December 1996. Credit: Phil Dent / Getty

Director Fuqua, best known for his work in The Equalizer franchise, is ready to show the world the parallels between Jaafar and the 'Smooth Criminal' legend, who tragically died in 2009.

"It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life," he said, per Variety. "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.

"It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael … sounds like him, dances like him, sings," he told Entertainment Weekly. "Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away."

Michael will be released in theaters on April 25, 2025.

Featured image credit: Araya Doheny / Getty