Michael Jackson biopic casts lead — and it’s the King of Pop’s nephew
Global News
Though many have speculated how the movie will portray the controversies of Jackson's life, the studio said 'Michael' will not shy away from any of it.
Who better to fill Michael Jackson‘s moonwalking shoes than another member of the Jackson family?
Canadian-American entertainment company Lionsgate announced on Monday that Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will star in the upcoming biopic Michael in the titular role.
The film is to be directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, who produced the 2018 Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
On Twitter, Jaafar — who is the second-youngest son of Jackson’s older brother and Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson — said he is “humbled and honored” to play his uncle in the film.
“To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” he wrote.
Michael will explore the King of Pop’s rise to fame and controversial legacy, “including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time,” according to a statement from the studio.
Jaafar was chosen for the role after a worldwide casting search. King told Variety that “it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”