Michael Jackson in 1993 and his nephew Jaafar Jackson performing in ‘Michael’.Photo:Paul Spinelli via AP, Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate
Paul Spinelli via AP, Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate
Antoine Fuquais already praisingJaafar Jackson’s performance asMichael Jacksonin their upcoming biopic.
As Lionsgate and Universal Pictures, on Tuesday, released the first image of Jaafar, 27, in character forMichael, the movie’s director Fuqua said in a statement that Jaafar’s performance goes beyond just a clear physical resemblance between him and 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, 58, said. “But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael.”
“It goes beyond the physical resemblance,” Fuqua added. “It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
Jaafar Jackson in 2025’s Michael.Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate
Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Filming for the upcoming biopic began late last month.Nia LongandColman Domingo, who play Jackson’s parents Katherine and Joe in the film, werespotted in costume on the film’s setfor the first time last week.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Graham King, a producer on the movie, added, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Jaafar Jackson and Michael Jackson.Gabriel Olsen/Getty, Dave Hogan/Getty
Jaafar is the son of Michael’s older brotherJermaine Jackson, who performed with Michael in the Jackson family’s band The Jackson 5 for years before Michael’s solo career took off.
Michaelis in theaters April 18, 2025.
source: people.com
