Jaafar Jackson To Play Uncle “Michael”

By
Garth Franklin
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Screenshot: Sony Pictures

Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson has been set to play his uncle in filmmaker Antoine Fuqua’s biopic “Michael” about the singer’s life at Lionsgate.

Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) will produce alongside John Branca and John McClain who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan (“Gladiator,” “The Aviator”) wrote the script.

The official synopsis says this will tell the “never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. [It] will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.”

Jackson was the most-awarded musician in history. Over a four-decade career, he was a global figure in popular culture and influenced artists across many music genres. From the late 1980s through to his death in 2009 at age 50, Jackson became a figure of controversy, speculation and investigation due to his changing physical appearance, relationships, behavior, and lifestyle.

Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael Jackson, says in a statement: “Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers”.

King says in a statement: “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. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”

Jaafar, son of Michael’s brother Jermaine, is a budding singer whose debut single “Got Me Singing” released in 2019.

“Michael” will begin principal photography this year.

Source: THR