The lead role in Michael Jackson’s biopic will be played by Jaafar Jackson. The film is simply titled Michael and is directed by Antoine Fuqua. Continue reading to learn more.

Michael Jackson’s biopic will also be driven by his musical accomplishments, giving the film global potential in the same way that ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ did.

 

The late King of Pop Michael Jackson will be played by the late icon’s 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson in the biopic.

According to Deadline, Jaafar will play the King of Pop in the Antoine Fuqua-directed film. Fuqua confirmed the same on his Instagram page. This exciting news begs the question, who is Jaafar, and how is he related to Michael Jackson.

About Jaafar Jackson

The Jackson 5 member and Michael Jackson’s younger brother, Jermaine Jackson, has a son named Jaafar Jackson. As a singer and songwriter by profession, this will be the 26-year-first old’s major film role.

Jaafar has been singing and dancing since the age of 12 and has demonstrated his talent by covering artists such as Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, in addition to his own original songs.

Jaafar expressed gratitude for the opportunity on Twitter, where he posted a photo of himself doing a signature Michael Jackson pose in front of mirrors in a studio.

“I’m humbled and respected to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” he captioned the photo. I’ll see you all soon, global fans.”

Katherine Jackson, MJ’s mother, is also overjoyed at the prospect of her grandson playing her late son on screen. The Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers continues through Jaafar.

About Michael Jackson Biopic

Michael Jackson’s upcoming biopic is simply titled Michael. It will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who also directed Emancipation. John Logan wrote the screenplay.

The film will be produced by Graham King, whose work is best known for Bohemian Rhapsody.

GK Films will also co-produce alongside Jackson’s estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain.

If a report by Deadline is believed, the film won’t elude from portraying the complex topics about the King of Pop’s life including the paedophile accusations and his death was reportedly a ‘cocktail of sedatives’ that brought along a cardiac arrest at the age of 50.

The presence of the Michael Jackson estate grants rights to Jackson’s musical catalogue, but has raised concerns about how protective they will be. Clearly, things will need to be explored for the film to have a dramatic edge and enough truthfulness to stand up to scrutiny while not alienating fans of Jackson’s songs and musical legacy.

Anthony McCarten, the screenwriter for ‘King,’ depicted the complexity of Freddie Mercury’s life before his death from AIDS.

Michael Jackson’s biopic will also be led by his musical achievements, giving the film global potential similar to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ which grossed over $900 million worldwide, expanded Queen’s song catalogue, received a Best Picture Oscar nomination, and won for star Rami Malek.