by According to Deadline, Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will portray the King of Pop in a forthcoming biopic titled Michael.
Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother and a member of The Jackson 5.
Following in the footsteps of his legendary family, the 26-year-old has been singing and dancing since the age of 12.
Michael died in 2009, at the age of 50, as a result of a sedative cocktail that caused a cardiac arrest.
The Lionsgate biography will be directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by GK Films, as well as John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate.
Jaafar expressed his thanks for the part on Twitter, along with a black and white picture of himself costumed as his renowned late uncle.
‘I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s tale to life,’ Jaafar added. I’ll see you all shortly, supporters all across the globe.’
Jaafar was wearing striped trousers with a white T-shirt and jacket, hat, and shoes in his distinctive posture in the photo.
Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza have a son named Jaafar.
Antoine was named earlier this month as the director of Lionsgate’s forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic, which has been authorized by the late pop star’s estate.
The 56-year-old director, best known for directing The Equalizer film trilogy and Training Day, will collaborate on Michael with Oscar-winning producer Graham King.
‘My early films were music videos, and I still believe that merging cinema and music is a profound part of who I am,’ said the filmmaker in a statement.
‘There is no musician with the strength, charm, and pure musical talent of Michael Jackson,’ he said. I was inspired to produce music videos after seeing his work – he was the first Black musician to get extensive rotation on MTV.’
‘His music and his visuals are part of my worldview, and the opportunity to portray his tale on the big screen with his music was enticing,’ Fuqua said.
Lionsgate acquired distribution rights to the picture, penned by Gladiator writer John Logan, in February, according to Deadline.
Lionsgate stated in a statement that the film would be “an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man who became the King of Pop.”
It will recreate Jackson’s most legendary concerts while also providing an informative look into the entertainer’s creative process and personal life.’
‘As a part of The Jackson 5, Michael has always appreciated the beauty of movies,’ she remarked. ‘As a family, we are honored to have our life story brought to life on film.’
Three-time Oscar nominee John Logan wrote the screenplay, and Oscar-winning The Departed producer Graham King will produce with Michael Jackson estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain, giving the film access to Jackson’s music.
King has 71 Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture for his work on another recent musical biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.
King said he is ‘humbled’ to be bringing the narrative to the big screen over four decades after meeting the renowned family.
‘I first met the Jackson family in 1981, and I’m honored to bring their history to the big screen,’ he added. I had no idea that over 38 years later, when sitting at Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I would have the opportunity to be a part of this video.’
King’s biopic, co-produced by Jackson’s estate and Logan, was initially announced in 2019, but has just recently secured a studio.
Jackson’s recordings have sold over 400 million copies globally. He received 15 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
For decades, and especially in recent years, the Thriller singer has been the center of criticism.
According to Deadline, the new biopic would follow Jackson from his infancy with The Jackson Five through the legal and criminal litigation that followed his death at the age of 50 in 2009.
‘I am very excited that Lionsgate will be a part of this epic film, and thrilled to be working with Graham, who has proven success in telling iconic life stories, from Bohemian Rhapsody to Ali; when combined with John, we couldn’t be in more extraordinary hands,’ said Joe Drake, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Given the Jackson family’s participation in the production, it’s unclear how the claims will be addressed in the film.
