Jaafar Jackson steps into massive shoes as he portrays his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the upcoming and long-awaited, biopic titled ‘Michael’. The son of Jermaine Jackson from ‘The Jackson 5’, Jaafar Jackson brings family legacy -to-the screen in his acting debut. Fans have already caught glimpses of his striking resemblance and moves in the November 2025 teaser trailer.
Family ties and casting
Jaafar Jackson, age 29, embodies Michael Jackson with an uncanny likeness that director Antoine Fuqua praised early on. Antoine Fuqua told Variety in January 2023, “It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.” Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother and Jaafar Jackson’s grandmother, fully endorsed him. Katherine Jackson shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.” She added that Jaafar Jackson “embodies” her son.
On-screen transformation
Early footage shows Jaafar Jackson nailing Michael Jackson’s signature dance moves, from stage performances to Grammy moments. The teaser captures him in full King of Pop mode, sparking buzz online. Jaafar Jackson announced his casting on Instagram in January 2023–posting a photo and saying he felt “honored” for the role. His prior screen time includes family projects like the 2015 docuseries The Jacksons: Next Generation and Tito Jackson’s 2021 music video “Love One Another.”
Movie focus
Michael hits theaters worldwide on April 24, 2026. The story traces Michael Jackson’s journey from Jackson 5 lead singer to global icon. It spotlights his biggest performances alongside personal life aspects, including controversies. Jaafar Jackson handles the adult Michael Jackson, while Juliano Krue Valdi plays a young version. Prince Jackson, Michael Jackson’s son, cheered his cousin on Instagram, calling it a “dream come true.”Jaafar Jackson’s take feels personal, rooted in blood and that shared Jackson stage spark. It’s the kind of casting that honors the past while inviting everyone back to the magic.
