NewKerala.com

Jaafar Jackson Calls Michael Jackson Biopic Role His "Calling"

Jaafar Jackson, nephew of Michael Jackson, reveals that portraying his late uncle in the upcoming biopic 'Michael' felt like a personal calling, despite having no prior acting ambitions. The film's producer and director express their initial doubts and subsequent awe at Jaafar's embodiment of the King of Pop. The biopic will chronicle Michael Jackson's rise with The Jackson 5, his record-breaking solo career, and the personal struggles behind his public genius. Featuring a star-studded supporting cast, the film's release has been rescheduled for April 2026.

Key Points: Jaafar Jackson on Playing Michael Jackson in Biopic

  • Jaafar never planned an acting career
  • He felt a calling to play his uncle
  • Producers and director were amazed by his performance
  • Film traces Jackson's journey from The Jackson 5 to solo stardom
2 min read

Jaafar Jackson on playing Michael Jackson in biopic: It was a calling

Jaafar Jackson says playing his uncle Michael Jackson in the biopic 'Michael' was a calling. See what the producers and director said.

"I never dreamed to be an actor or even thought of playing him. But I knew it was a calling. - Jaafar Jackson"

Los Angeles, Feb 11

Debutant Jaafar Jackson said that playing his late uncle and King of Pop Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic Michael is his "calling". He went on to share that he had never even thought about an acting career until the project came along.

In a new behind-the-scenes video for the movie, the 29-year-old, who is the son of Michael's older brother Jermaine Jackson, said: "I never dreamed to be an actor or even thought of playing him. But I knew it was a calling.

"Embodying Michael, I really had to earn the role and prove to the filmmakers that I was capable of becoming Michael. Essentially, it was starting at the roots and finding the authenticity."

Jaafar praised the "love for Michael," who died in 2009 aged 50, that surrounded the project, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

He said: "I felt that love for Michael every day on set from the crew and the cast. Everybody had that love and wanted to put their heart and soul into it."

Producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua couldn't be happier with their lead actor's performance.

Graham said in the clip: "Going through this process of who can play Michael, how do you even start with that? And then, of course, I meet Jaafar Jackson."

Antoine added: "Day one, all I could think of was, 'Can Jaafar really pull this off?' Man, when the music started and he hit those first few moves, I mean, this guy killed it. I looked at Graham and Graham looked at me, I was like, 'Who is this guy?!' He has the desire - like Michael - to be the best."

Michael follows Michael Jackson's journey from The Jackson 5 to record-breaking solo stardom, driven by perfectionism, family pressure and artistic genius. The biopic traces the making of music history while examining the personal battles behind the legend.

The upcoming film also stars Miles Teller as Jackson's longtime attorney and advisor John Branca, Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate as the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy.

Meanwhile, Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive, alongside Kat Graham's Diana Ross and Kendrick Sampson's Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson's three most successful albums: Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad.

Michael was initially due to release on October 3, 2025, but was pushed back to April 2026.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Michael Jackson's music was the soundtrack of my college days. Thriller was everywhere! I just hope this biopic focuses more on his musical genius and less on the controversies. It's the art that deserves to be remembered.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I have my doubts. Nepotism is a big topic everywhere, even in Hollywood. Being a blood relative doesn't automatically make you the best actor for the job. The director's initial reaction says it all – they were skeptical too. He'll have to prove himself on screen.
S
Sarah B
The casting of the supporting roles looks incredible! Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, Nia Long... what a stellar lineup. Sometimes the strength of the ensemble can really lift a project. Looking forward to April 2026!
V
Vikram M
"Starting at the roots and finding the authenticity" – that's the key. Michael's dance moves and voice are iconic. If Jaafar can capture even 70% of that magic, it will be a success. The delay is disappointing, but if it means a better film, it's worth the wait.
K
Kavya N
My parents are huge MJ fans. We grew up listening to his cassettes. It feels personal. I hope this movie does justice to his complex legacy, the good and the difficult. It's a huge responsibility. All the best to Jaafar!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50