Jaafar Jackson’s resemblance to Michael Jackson is uncanny as stars as the music icon (Picture: CPR/D.Sanchez/BACKGRID)
Jaafar Jackson was the spitting image of his late uncle Michael Jackson as he films for an upcoming biopic about the pop megastar.
The Thriller singer is being played as an adult in the film, titled Michael, by Jackson’s brother Jermaine’s son Jaafar Jackson, in his film debut.
The 27-year-old has been compared to Michael on numerous occasions during filming as more pictures surface of the actor in costume, with many pointing out the uncanny resemblance between the two.
In new snaps from the set, Jaafar donned a blue and red military jacket with gold embellishments similar to many pieces worn by Michael throughout his career ahead of his death in 2009.
Jaafar could be seen smiling with his face obscured by large black sunglasses as filming for Michael continued.
In another shot, the actor stands on the roof of a car as he is surrounded by crowds of people
Jaafar will star as an adult version of his late uncle in upcoming biopic Michael (Picture: CPR/D.Sanchez/BACKGRID)
He was snapped on set wearing a blue military jacket similar to many worn by the Thriller icon (Picture: CPR/D.Sanchez/BACKGRID)
The film will chronicle the personal life and career of the cultural figure (Picture: Getty Images)
It has been described as a ‘riveting and honest portrayal’ of the singer (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Jaafar will be joined by Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as Jackson’s father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as his mother Katherine Jackson and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.
Nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi has been cast as the young Michael, with The Equalizer filmmaker Antoine Fuqua on directorial duties.
Speaking about the release of Michael, director Fuqua previously said in a statement: ‘The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am.
‘For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson.
‘I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV.
Jermaine Jackson’s son Jaafar has had his likeness to Michael commented on numerous times (Picture: Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images)
Colman Domingo will star in the film as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father (Picture: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
Much like Michael, Joe became a controversial figure ahead of his death in 2018 (Picture: Denise Truscello/WireImage)
‘His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.’
According to a synopsis of the film, Michael promises fans a ‘riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant man who became the King of Pop’.
‘The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale – from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances,’ it adds.
Fans, however, have criticised a description of the film for calling Jackson ‘complicated’.
There has also been backlash following numerous allegations of child sexual abuse against him, which Jackson denied while he was alive.
Michael is set to be released in US cinemas on April 18, 2025, with a UK date yet to be announced.
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