Michael Jackson’s upcoming biopic, Michael, is picking up buzz in Hollywood.
The Lionsgate and Universal Pictures film starring Michael’s real life nephew, Jaafar Jackson (son of brother Jermaine), will be directed by famed director Antoine Fuqua (Emancipation, Training Day).
According to the veteran filmmaker, the project has taken on new meaning and young Jackson’s performance is much deeper than just his physical resemblance to his late uncle.
“We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project — hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything — and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film,” Fuqua said in a statement. “But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael.”
“It goes beyond the physical resemblance,” Fuqua continued. “It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
Photographer Kevin Mazur, who took what turned out to be the final pictures of Michael in 2009 at his tour rehearsals just days before his death, says working on the film felt like he’d stepped into a time machine.
“When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour,” Mazur said. “Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything — he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime, this is how it was.”
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” added film producer Graham King. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Production on the film, also starring Nia Long and Colman Domingo as Katherine and Joe Jackson, began filming last month and is expected to shoot through the summer.
Michael is scheduled to hit theaters in April 2025.
