Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson was the spitting image of the late King of Pop in an astonishing new snap from hotly-anticipated biopic, Michael.
Jaafar, 27, looked identical to MJ in a black curly wig and sporting facial prosthetics as he performed onstage for the film – emulating the superstar in the 1980s and 1990s.
Colman Domingo, 54, who stars as Mister in The Color Purple, will tackle the role of patriarch Joe Jackson, who died in 2018 – with Nia Long will play Katherine Jackson.
Michael is slated for an April 18, 2025 theatrical release in the United States, according to Deadline, while Universal handles overseas distribution.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua with a screenplay written by John Logan, the biographical musical drama follows the life and four-decade career of Michael Jackson, who was one of eight Jackson children, five of which comprised the original pop sensation, the Jackson 5.
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson was the spitting image of the late King of Pop in an astonishing new snap from hotly-anticipated biopic, Michael
Jaafar, 27, looked identical to MJ in a black curly wig and sporting facial prosthetics as he performed onstage for the film – emulating the superstar in the 1980s and 1990s (pictured R in 1988)
Logan, 62, has a long proven track record as a playwright and filmmaker, writing or co-writing the likes of Gladiator (2000), The Aviator (2004), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007), Hugo (2011) and the James Bond 007 films Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).
According to Lionsgate, the film will delve into all aspects of Michael’s life, although it’s unknown how or if the more scandalous controversies of his life, including allegations of child sexual abuse, will be addressed, considering the fact that the biopic is being made in conjunction with the singer’s estate.
‘Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop, the official synopsis reads.
‘The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances.
‘As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.’
After production for the film was delayed this past year due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the main photography is now set to begin on January 22.
Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King is among the producers working on the project that also includes John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.
The Billie Jean singer passed away from an accidental overdose of prescription medication in 2009 at age 50.
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael starring Jaafar (pictured) as the music superstar, has been given a release date of April 18, 2025
Jaafar Jackson showed he had nailed MJ’s dance moves in a first official snap from new biopic Michael
Jaafar, 27, showed he had nailed his late uncle’s signature dance moves as he posed on his toes, while clad in a black hat, suit and white top; Michael pictured in 1988
The young actor and singer posted a black and white photo of himself dressed as the late superstar, on January 19, writing ‘The journey starts Monday, ‘ referring to the January 22 start date.
The movie is expected to be ready for release in April 2025.
The Boys in the Hood star will be telling her own life story in her upcoming memoir.
In a statement released on social media announcing the deal, the author described what readers might expect. ‘My steps to finding divine purpose have been thoughtful and intentional.’
‘For better or worse, you will find truth and transparency in the storytelling, sprinkled with ’90s nostalgia.’
