Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson set to play singer in upcoming biopic

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By Phoebe Egoroff

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After what was reportedly a "worldwide search," Michael Jackson's nephew is set to play the late pop legend in an upcoming biopic.

The ambitious project is set to be directed by Antoine Fuqua - who has worked on multiple movies like The Equalizer and The Magnificent Seven - and produced by Graham King, who is responsible for the Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody film about Freddie Mercury, The Wrap detailed.

Jaafar, 26, will be having his first major movie role in the flick, aptly titled Michael. Variety reported that it is slated to delve into Jackson's legacy as the King of Pop and, according to the studio, will include the "most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time."

Paris Jackson shares this unseen footage of her father:

The outlet does, however, detail how the movie is being produced in collaboration with Jackson's estate - which may influence how his sexual abuse allegations against children during his career are depicted. He was tried and found not guilty of child molestation in 2003.

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Antoine Fuqua is set to direct an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Credit: Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy

Taking to Twitter, Jaafar - who is the son of Jackson's 68-year-old brother Jermaine Jackson - wrote that he felt "humbled" and "honored" to star in the upcoming biopic. "I'm humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael's story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I'll see you soon," he captioned an image of himself.

The 'Thriller' singer's mother Katherine Jackson commented on how proud she was of him, stating (via The Guardian): "Jaafar embodies my son. It's so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers."

King told The Guardian that he and his team had searched everywhere for an actor to play Jackson, before settling on Jaafar. "I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael. 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."

The Jackson family have already publicly embraced the biopic, including the late musician's son Prince, who took to Instagram to support his cousin as he embarks on the role of a lifetime. "My cousin [Jaafar Jackson] is going to be playing my father in the upcoming biopic produced by [Graham King] and directed by [Antoine Fuqua]! Truthfully I couldn't be happier and prouder for him, he's been working his ass off and I know he's going to do an amazing job."

"Just being himself, he embodies so much of my dad and I'm confident we are all going to do our best to show the world a part of my father they've never seen and that they deserve to see," the caption continued. "To all of my family's fans and supporters out there thank you for your continued support and love [...] i know you're going to be great bro and again I couldn't be prouder and happier for you cuz [sic]."

A release date for the biopic has not yet been set but it is expected some time in 2024.

Featured image credit: WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy

Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson set to play singer in upcoming biopic

vt-author-image

By Phoebe Egoroff

Article saved!Article saved!

After what was reportedly a "worldwide search," Michael Jackson's nephew is set to play the late pop legend in an upcoming biopic.

The ambitious project is set to be directed by Antoine Fuqua - who has worked on multiple movies like The Equalizer and The Magnificent Seven - and produced by Graham King, who is responsible for the Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody film about Freddie Mercury, The Wrap detailed.

Jaafar, 26, will be having his first major movie role in the flick, aptly titled Michael. Variety reported that it is slated to delve into Jackson's legacy as the King of Pop and, according to the studio, will include the "most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time."

Paris Jackson shares this unseen footage of her father:

The outlet does, however, detail how the movie is being produced in collaboration with Jackson's estate - which may influence how his sexual abuse allegations against children during his career are depicted. He was tried and found not guilty of child molestation in 2003.

wp-image-1263192317 size-full
Antoine Fuqua is set to direct an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Credit: Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy

Taking to Twitter, Jaafar - who is the son of Jackson's 68-year-old brother Jermaine Jackson - wrote that he felt "humbled" and "honored" to star in the upcoming biopic. "I'm humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael's story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I'll see you soon," he captioned an image of himself.

The 'Thriller' singer's mother Katherine Jackson commented on how proud she was of him, stating (via The Guardian): "Jaafar embodies my son. It's so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers."

King told The Guardian that he and his team had searched everywhere for an actor to play Jackson, before settling on Jaafar. "I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael. 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."

The Jackson family have already publicly embraced the biopic, including the late musician's son Prince, who took to Instagram to support his cousin as he embarks on the role of a lifetime. "My cousin [Jaafar Jackson] is going to be playing my father in the upcoming biopic produced by [Graham King] and directed by [Antoine Fuqua]! Truthfully I couldn't be happier and prouder for him, he's been working his ass off and I know he's going to do an amazing job."

"Just being himself, he embodies so much of my dad and I'm confident we are all going to do our best to show the world a part of my father they've never seen and that they deserve to see," the caption continued. "To all of my family's fans and supporters out there thank you for your continued support and love [...] i know you're going to be great bro and again I couldn't be prouder and happier for you cuz [sic]."

A release date for the biopic has not yet been set but it is expected some time in 2024.

Featured image credit: WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy