Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar Jackson Revealed As Choice To Star As Late Singer in Upcoming Biopic

Yes, you read that correctly, Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is tapped to play the late singer in upcoming Biopic.

The studio Lionsgate is behind the Biopic, titled Michael, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who shared the news via his Instagram. Other titans behind the upcoming film include, Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.

According to Lionsgate, the film will address all aspects of Michael Jackson’s life, though it remains unclear how the estate will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children. Those accusations were returned to the public discourse thanks to the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. It is possible the film will be heavily biased due to the estate’s strict requirements, but that remains to be seen.

“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael Jackson. Jaafar Jackson is the son of Michael’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, and is a budding singer who released his debut single, “Got Me Singing,” in 2019.

Michael will begin principal photography in 2023.