Jaafar Jackson will portray his famous uncle, Michael Jackson, in the upcoming biopic titled Michael, set to be released in April 2026. The film is anticipated to cover Michael’s early career through the 1980s, with Jaafar stepping into the iconic role at the age of 29. Initially scheduled for a 2025 release, the film was postponed due to reshoots.
The biopic is reportedly being divided into two parts, with the first focusing on Michael’s rise to fame and the second on his later years, although this division has not been officially confirmed. A teaser trailer has already been released, showcasing Jaafar’s transformation into Michael during pivotal moments such as studio recordings and live performances.
The film is produced by Graham King, known for his work on Bohemian Rhapsody, and directed by Antoine Fuqua. Fans can expect a deep dive into Michael’s career, particularly highlighting the era of his groundbreaking album, Thriller.
Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the grandson of Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, who has expressed her support for Jaafar’s role in the film. Jaafar has a background in performance, having started his career at a young age. He first gained attention when he performed alongside his brother, Jermajesty Jackson, and father during a live concert in the Netherlands in 2017.
In addition to his stage debut, Jaafar released his first single, Got Me Singing, in 2018, which has garnered nearly three million streams on Spotify. His latest track, a remix of this song, was released in 2024, with his Spotify profile currently showing approximately 8,500 monthly listeners.
In a recent conversation with People, Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson in the film, shared that he had brief discussions with Michael’s eldest children, Paris and Prince Jackson, who are supportive of the project. Domingo described Paris as “nothing but lovely and warm” during their interactions.
The Jackson family is reportedly considering the O2 Arena in London for the film’s premiere, a venue that holds special significance as it was Michael’s dream to perform there. Jaafar expressed his feelings about the casting on social media, stating, “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.”
Fans have already begun to react to the trailer, with many praising Jaafar’s vocal similarities to Michael. Comments on social media platforms reflect a mix of excitement and admiration, with one user noting, “His voice is IDENTICAL to Michael’s!!! Even the laugh.” Another remarked, “It’s absolutely awesome that he’s able to pay tribute to his uncle like this.”
With the release of Michael on the horizon, anticipation continues to build around Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his legendary uncle, promising a film that aims to capture the essence of one of music’s most influential figures.
