Michael Jackson will be portrayed by his 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar, in a movie biopic about the late pop star.
Jaafar, son of Jermaine Jackson, said on Twitter that he was “humbled and honored” to bring his uncle’s story to life.
The film called simply Michael is being made with the cooperation of Jackson’s family and estate, according to family statement, it will offer,
audiences an in-depth portrayal of the man and our brother who became the King of Pop.”
Production of the film –directed by Antoine Fuqua, produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan – will begin this year.
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.
— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023
Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup
Jackson’s son Prince wrote on Instagram,
Truthfully I couldn’t be happier and prouder for him, he’s been working his ass off and I know he’s going to do an amazing job. I’m confident we are all going to do our best to show the world a part of my father they’ve never seen and that they deserve to see.”
There are several things that the film will very likely not show viewers.
Jackson’s legacy has been tainted by a series of child sexual abuse allegations and a 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which featured two men who claimed Jackson sexually abused them over a period of several years when they were children.
Jackson’s family and estate have refuted all of the allegations.
Forever missed 🖤 pic.twitter.com/pPBqXtK2EU
— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) June 25, 2020
First day in Pakistan 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/R9GCZNKJk3
— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) February 13, 2020
(Photos, Twitter; via CNN)
