Michael Jackson will be played by his 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson in upcoming biopic
Topics: Michael Jackson, Music, Film and TV
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: ilpo musto / WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Michael Jackson, Music, Film and TV
In the recently announced Michael - a biopic about the legendary singer - Jackson's own nephew will play him, it has been revealed.
Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael's brother and Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson, has been chosen for the legendary role.
Jaafar is also known to the dancing and music world as he has been doing both since the age of 12.
While not as famous as his late uncle, Jaafar has showcased himself singing tunes from Marvin Gaye to originals of his own.
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And when production on Michael gets underway later this year, Jaafar will take on the biggest gig of his career so far to date.
Jaafar took to his social media accounts to announce the news after Deadline broke the story before an official announcement.
On Instagram, the singer wrote: "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's post was mirrored by director of the upcoming biopic, Antoine Fuqua, who wrote: "Proud to announce @jaafarjackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon."
Many fans and famous faces took to the comment section of the post to congratulate Jaafar on his newest gig.
One person said: "They couldn’t have casted him any better," while a second added: "This is a major moment congrats and good luck!"
Meanwhile, Jaafar's cousin, TJ Jackson, commented while also posting a message on his own Instagram account.
He wrote: "Words can’t express how proud I am of my cousin @jaafarjackson.
"His talent is endless and I truly don’t think there is a better choice on the planet to represent and embody the artistry and person of my uncle @michaeljackson.
"To say I’m excited would be an understatement. I’m so, so proud."
In the photo that both Jaafar and TJ posted, Jaafar is wearing an outfit that certainly matches the look of his late uncle.
He boasts striped trousers with a white T-shirt, jacket, hat, and shoes all in Michael's legendary pose.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the biopic Michael would be directed by Training Day's and The Equalizer's Antoine Fuqua.
The screenplay for the film will come from John Logan, with co-executors John Branca and John McClain producing alongside Graham King.
In a statement, Fuqua said: "The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am. For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson.
"I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV.
"His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible."