The portrayal of Jaafar Jackson in the film titled Michael will be his first major film role. Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew has announced he will portray the singer in a forthcoming major motion picture biography.
The young actor stated on social media that he was “humbled and honored” to have been cast.
Jafaar Jackson is the second-youngest son of the Jackson 5 member and songwriter Jermaine Jackson, who is Michael’s older brother.
Michael will be the next in a series of musical biopics to be shown on the big screen, following films on the careers of Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Queen, and Elton John.
‘Jaafar embodies my son’
The film is being produced with the collaboration of the estate of Michael Jackson. Uncertain if it will reference the allegations of child sexual abuse made against Jackson during his lifetime and after his death.
Jackson has always maintained his innocence, and he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.
Katherine Jackson, the mother of Michael Jackson, stated: “Jafaar Jackson epitomizes my son. It’s amazing to see him continue the Jackson family tradition of musicians and performers.”
The biopic will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who directed Training Day and Emancipation, Will Smith’s most recent feature for Apple.
Michael Jackson is one of the most famous singers in music history, having risen to prominence with his family band the Jackson 5 before becoming one of the most successful musicians ever.
Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Bad, and Rock With You are among his most popular solo songs, while Thriller is the best-selling album of all time.
Michael “explores the path of the man who became the King of Pop,” according to director Antoine Fuqua, while the film’s studio, Lionsgate, said it would feature “the most memorable performances that drove him to become the greatest performer.”
Graham King, who previously produced the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, is one of the film’s producers.
Before agreeing on Jaafar to portray Jackson, according to King, the film’s production team conducted an exhaustive search for a suitable actor.
“When I first met Jaafar more than two years ago, I was taken away by the way he organically embodies Michael’s energy and attitude,” King remarked.
Even after performing a global search, it became evident that he is the sole candidate for this position.
John Logan, who previously authored Gladiator, The Aviator, and the James Bond flicks Skyfall and Spectre, will pen the screenplay for Michael.
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