Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson looked just like his famous late uncle in the first official movie trailer about the Pop King’s Life.
The 29-year-old actor took on the role of the Thriller singer – who passed away at the age of 50 in 2009 and had been known for his music influence across the globe with hits such as Billie Jean and Beat It.
Following a third delay, Michael – which was directed by Antoine Fuqua – is slated to hit theaters later next year on April 24.
The anticipated teaser kicked off with Jaafar playing a young Michael inside a studio as a voiceover said, ‘I know you have been waiting a long time for this.
‘The tracks are made. The songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top,’ the voice continued as Wanna Be Startin’ Something began to play in the background.
The clip cut to a sold-out stadium of fans waiting for the singer’s concert as the camera showed Jafaar donning an iconic look similar to what Michael had worn – while his face was still concealed in the trailer.
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, 29, looked just like his famous late uncle in the first official movie trailer about the Pop King’s Life
The actor took on the role of the Thriller singer – who passed away at the age of 50 in 2009 and had been known for his music influence across the globe with hits such as Billie Jean and Beat It
‘This is your story,’ the voiceover added while lyrcis and titles to some of Michael’s hits were seen posted on a board.
A child Michael was seen as he sat at a table with his family as the voice continued, ‘Honor your past and embrace the future. That’s what people want.’
Jaafar continued to channel his late uncle in outfits Michael had worn on stage – including a white button up and black trousers.
The actor also could be seen showing off dance moves the King of Pop often did such as the moonwalk.
Another snippet showcased Jaafar recreating the iconic Thriller music video while wearing the red and black-colored leather ensemble Michael had also sported at the time.
After more shots showed Jaafar on stage and in the spotlight, the trailer jumped back to the younger Michael inside the music studio.
Fans were then able to see Jaafar speaking as Michael as he said in a lighter tone, ‘Q, can you lower the lights for me please?’
In response, the record producer inside the studio said, ‘Okay but remember, in here… keep those feet still, my man.’
Following a third delay, Michael – which was directed by Antoine Fuqua – is slated to hit theaters later next year on April 24; the Beat It singer seen in 1990
The anticipated teaser kicked off with Jaafar playing a young Michael inside a studio as a voiceover said, ‘I know you have been waiting a long time for this’
The clip cut to a sold-out stadium of fans waiting for the singer’s concert
And the camera showed Jafaar donning an iconic look similar to what Michael had worn – while his face was still concealed in the trailer
‘This is your story,’ the voiceover added while lyrcis and titles to some of Michael’s hits were seen posted on a board
A child Michael was seen as he sat at a table with his family as the voice continued, ‘Honor your past and embrace the future. That’s what people want’
Jaafar continued to channel his late uncle in outfits Michael had worn on stage – including a white button up and black trousers
The actor also could be seen showing off dance moves the King of Pop often did such as the moonwalk
Another snippet showcased Jaafar recreating the iconic Thriller music video while wearing the red and black-colored leather ensemble Michael had also sported at the time
Jaafar let out a laugh as he placed headphones on in preparation to record one of Michael’s major hits.
The long-awaited trailer for Michael comes after a number of delays, with the biopic initially slated to hit theaters earlier this year in April.
However, it was pushed back to October 2025 which was then followed by a third delay – with the official release date in theaters now set for April 24, 2026.
Sources told Deadline back in July that one of the reasons for the delay was due to ‘distribution plans’ – with the film set to be shown on IMAX screens.
Another reason was due to an excessive running time, with one edit of the movie being over 3 1/2 hours long.
Other delays were the result of certain references to Jordan Chandler – an individual who had accused Michael of sexual assault – which had to be taken out of one of the edited drafts due to a pre-existing agreement.
Insiders also told the outlet that a second movie about the Smooth Criminal hitmaker is in development.
Jaafar – who is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza – has been filming scenes of the biopic since 2023.
Fans were then able to see Jaafar speaking as Michael as he said in a lighter tone, ‘Q, can you lower the lights for me please?’
In response, the record producer inside the studio said, ‘Okay but remember, in here… keep those feet still, my man’
The long-awaited trailer for Michael comes after a number of delays, with the biopic initially slated to hit theaters earlier this year in April
However, it was pushed back to October 2025 which was then followed by a third delay – with the official release date in theaters now set for April 24, 2026
Jaafar – who is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza – has been filming scenes of the biopic beginning since 2023
In early 2023, Jaafar was revealed to have been cast as the leading role of Michael in the biopic, per Deadline, and at the time, jumped to his social media pages to express his excitement
‘I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,’ he penned in the caption; the Thriller singer seen in 1995
In early 2023, Jaafar was revealed to have been cast as the leading role of Michael in the biopic, per Deadline, and at the time, jumped to his social media pages to express his excitement.
He shared a black and white image of himself wearing a similar outfit his late uncle had worn in the past while striking a dance pose inside a studio.
‘I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,’ he penned in the caption.
The movie ‘tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
‘Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begin,’ per The Hollywood Reporter.
Back in 2023, director Antoine Fuqua stated that Jaafar has an ‘uncanny’ resemblance to his late uncle.
‘It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael,’ the filmmaker previously gushed to Entertainment Weekly. ‘Sounds like him, dances like him, sings.’
He continued by admitting, ‘It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.’
‘Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begin,’ per The Hollywood Reporter
Back in 2023, director Antoine Fuqua stated that Jaafar has an ‘uncanny’ resemblance to his late uncle; Antoine seen above in 2019 in L.A.
Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment, and has been both singing and dancing since he was 12-years-old; Jaafar seen above with La Toya Jackson in 2019 in L.A.
Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment, and has been both singing and dancing since he was 12-years-old.
In regards to his ‘approach’ to the biopic, the director said, ‘Just to tell the facts as we know it, about the artist, about the man, about the human being. You know, the good, bad, and the ugly.’
Other stars that have been cast in the project include Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Jessica Sula, Kendrick Sampson and Juliano Krue Valdi.
Not long after the trailer dropped on Thursday, fans were sent into a frenzy – with some speculating Jaafar could possibly win an Oscar for his performance as Michael.
Over on X, one penned, ‘HES COMING FOR THE OSCAR,’ while another wrote, ‘Excited to see Jaafar honor MJ’s legacy this biopic is already giving major vibes!’
‘Movie of the year,’ a fan said, and one added, ‘Good lord, this looks absolutely amazing. I’m there opening day.’
Another typed, ‘2026? Nah that’s too far, I need it NOW,’ and one X user commented, ‘Jaafar looks like his uncle MJ a lot.’
Not long after the trailer dropped on Thursday, fans were sent into a frenzy – with some speculating Jaafar could possibly win an Oscar for his performance as Michael
Over on X, one penned, ‘HES COMING FOR THE OSCAR,’ while another wrote, ‘Excited to see Jaafar honor MJ’s legacy this biopic is already giving major vibes!’
And over on YouTube underneath the trailer dropped by Lionsgate, one fan said, ‘This is about to be one of the greatest movies of all time…’
‘Probably will be the highest grossing box office movie of ALL TIME,’ another predicted, and a fan added, ‘This is the first movie trailer that made me say to myself, “I gotta see this at the theatre” in long time.’
One typed, ‘This trailer alone deserves an Oscar,’ and another commented, ‘The impact is still felt today with his music. Hope this biopic does it justice.’
‘Jaafar Jackson retrieve your Best Actor Oscar now,’ a fan said and one added, ‘This will break records. There will be people dressed up as MJ going to watch this film. The MJ resurgence is gonna be CRAZY!!!!’
