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Michael Jackson fans have done a double take after getting a look at the late singer’s nephew in an upcoming biopic.
First announced in 2019, the movie about the King of Pop follows his life and career from his time with the Jackson 5 as a child in the late 1960s to his death on June 25, 2009.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer), the official synopsis has teased that Michael ‘is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.
‘The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
‘Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.’
Making his film debut in the lead role, the star is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, 29 – the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson.
After much anticipation, the teaser trailer for the film was released today. The one-minute clip begins showing Michael in the studio.
Only the back of his head is seen, before a voice-over then says: ‘I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made; the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top.
‘This is your story. Honour your past and embrace the future. That’s what people want.’
As some of Michael’s greatest hits – including Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough and Billie Jean – play, scenes showing him playing stadium shows to screaming fans, sitting around a dinner table with his family, and facing the glare of the paparazzi
The trailer then cuts to Michael in the studio again, asking his producer to ‘cut the lights’ before putting on his headphones.
Soon after watching the trailer, many weighed in on what they thought of the first look at the film – particularly Jaafar stepping into his uncle’s shoes.
‘Jaafar sounds just like his uncle!!! We have classic on our hands people!’ user undergroundambition commented on YouTube.
‘Excited to see Jaafar honour MJ’s legacy. This biopic is already giving major vibes!’ Samyu shared on X.
‘The fact that they’re using Jaafar Jackson, someone who knew and loved him, gives me hope that this will be a heartfelt and authentic portrayal,’ Shivanshu wrote.
‘This is going to be a huge cinematic moment. Seeing Jaafar Jackson step into his uncle’s legendary shoes, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long in the cast, makes it even more exciting. Can’t wait to see how Michael captures the magic, complexity, and legacy of the King of Pop,’ Parul added.
Others said Jaafar was the ‘spitting image’ of his uncle and was already emerging as a frontrunner for an Oscar.
Michael also stars Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Nia Long, Laura Harrier and Juliano Krue Valdi.
Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve. He released his first single, Got Me Singing, in 2019 and went on to appear in The Jacksons: Next Generation and in Tito Jackson’s music video Love One Another in 2021.
When it was announced he’d be playing his late uncle, Jaafar released a statement on social media which read: ‘I’m humbled and honoured to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.’
Meanwhile his grandmother Katherine Jackson shared: ‘Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.’
Michael is being made with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson estate.
Graham King, a producer on the film who also produced the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, previously said they’d searched the world for an actor to play Jackson, before settling on Jaafar.
‘I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,’ he said. ‘It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.’
Michael was made on a reported budget of $155million (£118million) and is said to have a run time of around three-and-a-half hours.
The singer made his public debut aged six as the lead singer of the Jackson 5. His 1982 album Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, while he had estimated sales of over 500 million records throughout his four-decade career.
He also won 13 Grammys, 26 American Music Awards, and six Brit Awards.
Michael is in cinemas on April 24, 2026.
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