Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, will play the iconic pop star in an upcoming biopic, Lionsgate announced Monday.
Jaafar Jackson, the second youngest son of Jackson 5 singer Jermaine Jackson, will play Michael Jackson in the film “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua. The director of “Emancipation” said on social media that he was “proud” to have Jaafar Jackson join the cast and shared a photo of the actor dressed as his uncle.
Read Also: Idris Elba Set to Invest in Film Studio in Tanzania
“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,” Fuqua said in Lionsgate’s announcement.
Jaafar Jackson, 26, wrote on Instagram that he was “humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life.”
Read Also: Oscar Nominations and Shocking Exclusions
“To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” he wrote.
Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother, and Jaafar Jackson’s grandmother have expressed their support for the decision.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” she said in a statement.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel Switch TV
Lionsgate stated that principal photography will begin in 2023 and that the film will “explore all aspects of Michael’s life” and his iconic performances.
