Who do you cast to play a star as well-known around the world as Michael Jackson? The King of Pop was a star from the tiny age of six, performing (often as the lead singer) with his family band, the Jackson 5. He went on to release his own solo albums and sold over 500 million records worldwide, with Thriller being the best-selling album in history. He was lauded for his commitment to philanthropy, founding the Heal the World Foundation in 1992.
In later years, though, his life was mired in controversy, due to his ever-evolving appearance, mystery over his romantic relationships and lawsuits that included child sexual abuse accusations (which the singer denied and was acquitted of in 2005), before dying at only 50-years-old following an overdose.
Who, then, has the charisma and shrewd acting chops to take on such a character? The answer is someone already within the Jackson family. Yes, Jafaar Jackson has been announced as playing the titular role of Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic, Michael.
The film, which is set to come out in UK cinemas and IMAX on April 22, 2026, is directed by Antoine Fuqua and explores the singer and songwriter's life, from the Jackson 5 era to his solo career. The film reportedly gives an ‘unbiased’ look at Michael Jackson's life, with an ending that early viewers describe as showing the police closing in on Neverland Ranch. Scenes detailing the abuse allegations have been cut, however.
Jafaar is Michael Jackson's nephew, the son of Jermaine Jackson, who was also a member of the Jackson 5. Talking about taking on the role, Jafaar told Vogue: “It's an honour of a lifetime. Definitely an experience I'll never forget. I couldn't be more proud and grateful to be able to tell Michael's story in a cinematic way.”
According to the magazine, Jafaar worked with Rich + Tone Talauega, Michael's actual choreographers from his ‘History’ tour: "I started to absorb all of Michael’s tours, and collected a library of any video I can [sic] find of him dancing. I really started studying it on a daily basis, and practising in the mirror for hours and hours every day. It took a couple of years until I felt confident with the dance moves.”
Despite a no-holds barred look at the iconic singer's life — warts and all — the family, both extended and immediate, have shown support to Jafaar, with Michael's children Prince and Bigi (formerly known as Blanket), as well as Michael's brothers Marlon and Jackie showing up at the Berlin premiere.“I got so emotional ‘cause he just became Michael on that screen, and it brought tears to my eyes," said Jackie Jackson, Michael's older brother.
Notably absent was Paris Jackson, Michael's 28-year-old daughter, who has criticised the production process on her social media. “Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had zero percent involvement in lol that is so weird,” Paris wrote in an Instagram Story to her 5.9 million followers on Tuesday, 3rd September.
“I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest/didn’t sit right with me, and when they didn’t address it, I moved on with my life. Not my monkeys, not my circus. God bless and godspeed,” she added in a follow-up post.
Despite a mixed reaction from the Jackson family, the film seems to be receiving positive reviews from fans and critics, with it being described as ‘one of the best biopics ever’.
