A biopic on the highs and lows of one of the most recognizable performers in history, the late global pop icon Michael Jackson, titled Michael, will hit theaters on April 24, 2026. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and backed by Lionsgate. Jaafar Jackson, who plays the lead in the movie, is Michael Jackson’s nephew, and naturally, it was an emotional rollercoaster for him as he prepared for the role with help from other family members.
Jaafar went to “extreme lengths” to portray MJ
With the release date inching closer, Jaafar Jackson has been on a promotional run for the movie. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the film’s red carpet event, he shared insights into how his family members wanted him to portray the role.
Talking about what his dad, Jermaine Jackson—who was also a member of the legendary The Jackson 5 and the older brother of Michael Jackson—advised him before taking up the role; he said, “With this role, he said to pull it off in a way that will shock people. And I said, ‘Don’t worry; I am going to work as hard as I possibly can. Just to the point…to extreme lengths. And I wanted to do that with everything. The acting, the dance moves…to surprise my family. With the element of surprise with the performance. I think I did that, and I want to see what the fans will say when they see it.'”
Furthermore, Jaafar Jackson’s uncle, Jackie Jackson, became quite emotional in front of the Entertainment Tonight crew while talking about the movie. “I got so emotional ’cause he became Michael on the screen, and it brought tears to my eyes. He’s incredible. Wait till you see it,” Jackie stated.
Talking about his family members’ emotional response to the movie, Jaafar further stated, “It makes me emotional. I remember when they first saw the screen tests, I got a call from each one of them individually, even my uncle Tito. Rest in peace to him. I just remember them getting emotional on the phone.“
“I started to cry hearing from the words because for me, that’s the truest and highest compliment I can get as far as who I want to hear from. The people that knew him the closest, and they are the ones who I looked up to as a kid. And to hear how proud they are and how much support I have from them…that makes me the happiest I can possibly be,” he further said.
In several other interviews, Jackson revealed how he did not just treat the film as another acting gig, dedicating his efforts to studying Michael Jackson’s voice, body language, and stage presence in detail. Furthermore, he worked extensively on the dance routines, aiming to match MJ’s precision and fluidity.
For Jaafar Jackson, the movie hits close to home, and by the looks of it, he has given everything to bring the King of Pop’s magical presence back on screen again. Are you excited to watch Michael? Let us know in the comments section below.
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