Michael Jackson poses at a press conference before a date on his HIStory world tour in 1996. (Photo by Phil Dent/Redferns)
The family bloodline proves to be strong with the first look of Jaafar Jackson starring as his uncle Michael Jackson in the forthcoming biopic about the late King of Pop.
Director Antoine Fuqua on Tuesday shared a new photo of the superstar’s nephew on the set of the film, simply titled “Michael.”
“Photograph by the renowned photographer Kevin Mazur, who documented Michael’s final rehearsal, and is now the first to photograph Jaafar in character as Michael,” he captioned the snapshot on Instagram.
In the photo, Jaafar, who is Jermaine Jackson‘s 27-year-old son, wears an open white button-down over a low-cut v-neck and black dress slacks, recreating the iconic look of Jackson singing “Man in the Mirror” on his 1992-93 Dangerous World Tour.
“Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael,’” Mazur said. “The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything — he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime — this is how it was.”
Currently shooting in Los Angeles, “Michael” has been described as “an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most legendary performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.”
Fuqua, who previously helmed “Training Day” and “The Equalizer” films starring Denzel Washington, added that the production will feature creatives who worked with Michael in the past and are reuniting for the family-approved project.
“But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance,” Fuqua said. “It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
Production on the film began last month with recent Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo and multiple NAACP Image Award winner Nia Long tapped to portray parents Joe and Katherine Jackson.
Developed by Oscar-winning producer Graham King and approved by Jackson’s estate, “Michael” is expected to hit theaters April 2025.
