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Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, will play King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua biopic

Marco della Cava, USA TODAY
·3 min read

Playing the singing and dancing phenom that was Michael Jackson on screen was never going to be an easy task.

Which perhaps explains why producers behind a planned biopic have cast the leading role with a member of the family: The pop icon's nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the title role in "Michael," which starts filming this year.

Jackson, 26, is the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, 68, Michael's brother and former Jackson 5 member. Michael Jackson, whose career spanned global hits and persistent scandal, died in 2009 at age 50.

Here's everything that's known about the film so far.

In this 2014 file photo, Jaafar Jackson, left, then 18, appears during the "Living with The Jacksons" panel at the Reelz Channel 2014 Summer TCA in Beverly Hills. On the right, Michael Jackson during an American Cinema Award gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., in 1987. Jaafar Jackson, now 26, is Michael Jackson's nephew, and will play the King of Pop in a new biopic.

Michael Jackson tributes already abound

Jackson's indelible hits have inspired not only impersonators but a number of official productions including:

  • "MJ: The Musical" is currently on Broadway and focuses on recreating the drama behind Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour. It was created by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon and Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, and stars Myles Frost in his Broadway debut.

  • In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil is putting on "Michael Jackson One," which uses Jackson's extensive discography as a backdrop for a journey featuring "four misfits" on a journey of self discovery.

  • "Who's Bad? The Michael Jackson Experience" is a global touring show that has been recreating some of Jackson's seminal songs and videos since 2003.

Who is Jaafar Jackson?

Jackson grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by his musical family. In 2019, he released his first sing called "Got Me Singing," which was accompanied by a video that was shot in Brazil. The song is heavily reminiscent of his uncle's sound, from its staccato Latin beats to Jackson's plaintive vocals. Jackson also flexes some solid dance moves on Brazilian rooftops.

“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson's mother, in a statement provided by Lionsgate Films.

Added producer Graham King, whose credits include the Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody": “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."

Who is behind the planned Michael Jackson movie?

Antoine Fuqua (left) directs Will Smith in "Emancipation." The filmmaker will take the reins of a Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," which begins shooting this year with the singer's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role.
Antoine Fuqua (left) directs Will Smith in "Emancipation." The filmmaker will take the reins of a Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," which begins shooting this year with the singer's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role.

The planned biopic, which is slated to begin production this year, has a number of Hollywood veterans involved. Directing the as-yet-untitled film will be Antoine Fuqua, who directed the 2022 Will Smith film "Emancipation" as well as the 2001 Denzel Washington star vehicle, "Training Day."

In an Instagram post, Fuqua featured a photo of Jaafar in character as his uncle with the caption: "Proud to announce @jaafarjackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon."

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A post shared by Antoine Fuqua (@antoinefuqua)

The screenplay is being worked on by John Logan, who wrote Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning "Gladiator." He and producer King also teamed up on Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator."

Will this be an authorized MJ biopic?

Michael Jackson, shown here in a 1992 photo performing at Wembley Stadium, died in 2009 at the age of 50. A new biopic, "Michael," aims to retrace the singer's epic and tumultuous life.
Michael Jackson, shown here in a 1992 photo performing at Wembley Stadium, died in 2009 at the age of 50. A new biopic, "Michael," aims to retrace the singer's epic and tumultuous life.

Yes. And it is unlikely the various scandals that enveloped Michael Jackson's life will feature prominently in Fuqua's biopic, since the project is being doing with the blessing and oversight of Jackson's estate.

Not only will Katherine Jackson be keeping a keen eye on what is included in the movie, but so will Jackson's longtime lawyers, John Branca and John McClain, who are co-executors of Jackson's estate.

In the early 1990s, Jackson was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department after a young boy accused Jackson of "sexual battery." In 2003, after raiding his home, Neverland Ranch, authorities arrested Jackson on child molestation charges.

In 2005, Jackson, who had always maintained his innocence, was acquitted of all charges. Jackson died four years later, after his personal doctor gave him too large a dose of the anesthetic propofol, which was administered to help the singer sleep.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to play him in movie biopic