First Look At Michael Jackson’s Nephew In Biopic Of His Life

By Olivia Emily

10 months ago

Nope, that’s not a picture of Michael Jackson


A Michael Jackson biopic is in the works, starring none other than Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop’s nephew, in the leading role. Here’s our first look at the film, plus everything we know so far.

A Michael Jackson Biopic Is Coming In 2025

Michael, a biopic chronicling the life of one of pop’s biggest stars in history, has been in the works since 2019, when film producer Graham King (the man behind the Bohemian Rhapsody flick) secured the rights to create a film about the so-called King of Pop who died a decade before in 2009. John Logan soon joined the project as writer of the screenplay, before Jaafar Jackson, Jackson’s nephew, was cast in the leading role in January 2023. Having released his first single, ‘Got Me Singing’, in 2019, Michael will be Jaafar’s acting debut – but there’s no denying he is the spitting image of his uncle in our first look at the film.

First Look

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in MICHAEL

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in MICHAEL. © Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate

Jafaar Jackson takes to the stage in his uncle’s iconic ‘Man in the Mirror’ look, from the Dangerous Tour in 1992–93. According to Variety, the photographer, Kevin Mazur, photographed the real Jackson throughout his career, including during his ‘This Is It’ rehearsals – the tour Jackson was preparing to embark on before his sudden death.

What Will Happen?

Details on what will happen in the Michael film are being kept under wraps, but it is being reported that it will follow the life and four-decade-long career of Jackson, from the Jackson Five days (a newcomer has been cast as a young version of the star) up until his death (John Branca, an entertainment lawyer and the co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate, will be played by Whiplash star Miles Teller). Whether the film will delve into the star’s controversies – including multiple allegations of and lawsuits regarding child sexual abuse – is to be determined.

Who Stars?

  • Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
  • Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael Jackson
  • Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
  • Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
  • Miles Teller as John Branca

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jaafar Jackson (@jaafarjackson)

Is There A Trailer?

No trailer just yet, but we will share it here as soon as it is available.

When Will Michael Be Released?

Michael will arrive in US cinemas on 18 April 2025, with a UK release date TBC.