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Jaafar Jackson Hid Michael Jackson Biopic Role From Family For Full Year

Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, kept his casting in the upcoming biopic "Michael" a secret from his entire family for a full year. He revealed this during an interview with his co-star Miles Teller, explaining he waited until he felt comfortable to share the news. Jaafar described his mother's powerful and emotional reaction upon finally seeing his portrayal on screen. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring a notable cast, is scheduled for release in April 2026.

Key Points: Jaafar Jackson Kept Michael Biopic Role Secret From Family

  • Secret casting kept for a year
  • Mother's emotional reaction to screen test
  • Jaafar's acting debut as Michael Jackson
  • Biopic features star-studded cast
  • Film set for 2026 release
2 min read

"No one in my family knew for a full year": Jaafar Jackson on playing uncle Michael in biopic

Jaafar Jackson reveals he kept his role as uncle Michael Jackson in the biopic a secret from his family, including his mother, for an entire year.

"No one in my family knew for a full year": Jaafar Jackson on playing uncle Michael in biopic
"No one in my family knew for a full year. I kept it pretty quiet... - Jaafar Jackson"

Los Angeles, April 7

Actor Jaafar Jackson revealed that he kept his casting as his late uncle, Michael Jackson, in the upcoming biopic Michael a secret from his family including his mother for an entire year, according to People.

Speaking to costar Miles Teller, Jaafar, 29, said, "Even in the process of preparing for it, I didn't tell her for a full year." Teller asked, "What do you mean? When you booked it, you didn't tell her?" Jaafar replied, "No. No one in my family knew for a full year. I kept it pretty quiet until I felt comfortable enough to share it. But when my mom saw it on-screen, it blew her away. It was hard for her to connect it to me, so it was very emotional for her," according to People.

The actor, son of Jermaine Jackson of The Jackson 5, makes his acting debut portraying Michael Jackson in the Antoine Fuqua-directed film. He added that watching the movie with his mother was "a full body experience" and revealed, "My father hasn't seen it yet, and I can't wait for that... It definitely shows a side of me that my mom hasn't seen."

The biopic also stars Teller as Michael's lawyer and manager, John Branca, Colman Domingo as Michael's father and manager, Joe, Nia Long as Michael's mother Katherine, and Kat Graham as Motown star Diana Ross. Jaafar described his first viewing of the finished film as eye-opening. "As soon as it came on, it was a completely different experience than what I thought it was going to be. It went by so fast. I was like, 'Wait, that's it?' But the second time I saw it was a completely different experience," he said, according to People.

Michael is set to release in theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Michael Jackson's music is timeless and loved across India. From small-town discos to big city clubs, his songs are still played. It's a huge responsibility for Jaafar. I hope the biopic focuses more on his artistry and less on the controversies.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I'm a bit skeptical. Biopics about such complex figures often end up being one-sided – either pure glorification or digging up dirt. I hope this one finds a balanced, humanizing middle ground. The casting of family members in key roles (like the father) is interesting though.
S
Sarah B
The emotional weight on this young man... imagining his mother's reaction gives me chills. To see your son channel your legendary brother on screen must be incredibly surreal. Wishing him all the best for his debut.
V
Vikram M
April 2026 is so far away! The wait is going to be long. But if the first cut has already left his mother speechless, it must be something special. I just hope they do justice to the music and the dance. That's what we all love him for.
K
Kavya N
My father is a huge MJ fan. We grew up listening to his cassettes. This news has made my day! It's heartwarming that a member of the family is playing him. There's a certain authenticity there that no other actor could bring. All the best, Jaafar!

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