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Image Credit: Glen Wilson/Lionsgate
The narrative of the Pop icon is being adapted for the silver screen – and remaining within the family lineage. Jaafar Jackson, 29, Michael Jackson’s nephew, is slated to depict his celebrated kin in the forthcoming Michael biopic, steered by Antoine Fuqua and brought to life by Graham King, the Academy Award-winning producer renowned for Bohemian Rhapsody and The Departed.
The movie’s development kicked off in 2024, with its global debut in theaters set for April 24, 2026. Initial glimpses from the set showcased Jaafar’s uncanny likeness to his uncle, embodying the spirit and allure that characterized Michael’s professional life.
So, just who is Jaafar Jackson? Here’s your introduction.
Photo Credit: Glen Wilson/Lionsgate
1. Jaafar will portray Michael Jackson in a fresh biographical film.
Antoine potified Jaafar’s casting on January 30, 2023. He showcased an image of Jaafar in the midst of rehearsals for the Michael Jackson biography. “Thrilled to reveal @jaafarjackson as Michael — the cinematic creation chronicling the evolution of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming up,” Antoine expressed on Instagram.
Jaafar mirrored the sentiment by sharing the same image on his Instagram, noting, “I’m deeply grateful and honored to embody my Uncle Michael’s life story. Greetings to fans everywhere, I anticipate seeing you soon.”
Michael’s estate has authorized access to his complete music collection. The forthcoming biopic will “address the contentious aspects of Jackson’s life, notably the accusations of child abuse that plagued his latter years until his passing in 2009 at 50, due to heart failure triggered by an amalgamation of sedatives,” according to Deadline.
2. Jaafar is the offspring of Jermaine Jackson.
Jaafar is included among Jermaine’s count of 7 progeny. Jaafar came into the world in 1996, born to Jermaine, Michael’s older sibling, and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. It’s worth noting that Alejandra was previously in a relationship with Jermaine’s younger brother, Randy, with whom she also parented two children. Jermaine and Alejandra were formally united from 1995 to 2003.
3. Jaafar has the ability to emulate his uncle’s singing and dancing.
Looking back to 2019, Jaafar launched his music video for the track “Got Me Singing.” He validates that the Jackson family’s inherent talents persist within the lineage. Jaafar flaunts both his vocal capability and dance finesse in the visuals. He commenced his journey into music at the age of 12, also demonstrating his skill with the piano, as noted on his IMDb profile.
4. The upcoming biopic will be Jaafar’s initial acting performance.
Jaafar has previously appeared as himself in several family-focused ventures, notably The Jacksons: Next Generation and Tito Jackson’s music video, released in 2021. His role as his uncle in the upcoming biopic represents his debut on-screen performance.
5. Jaafar once aimed to pursue a career in professional golf.
Prior to dedicating himself to music, Jaafar harbored dreams of achieving prominence as a golfer. Nonetheless, amidst the influence of his exceptionally talented family, he ultimately embraced his lineage and chose a path in the entertainment sector.