Sseparated at birth? It’s what you think about looking at the first official photo released on social media of the biopic Michael, with Jaafar Jackson in the role of the famous uncle, expected in theaters in 2025. The shot was published on Instagram by the director of the film, Antoine Fuqua, but the author is the “paparazzo” of the stars Kevin Mazurthe last to photograph Michael Jackson alive, and now also the first to immortalize Jaafar in profile while dancing just like Uncle Michael.
Jaafar Jackson: the look is that of the song Man in the mirror
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” the producer said Graham King (same as Bohemian Rhapsody about the life of Freddie Mercury) in a statement. «He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could». The “grandson” was born in 1996 and is the second son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s older brother, also a member of the Jackson 5 group. His mother is Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza.
The look is unmistakable Man in the Mirror sported during the 1992-93 Dangerous Tour. As reported by Varietythe film’s official synopsis promises to give audiences “a compelling and honest portrait of the brilliant but complicated man who became the king of pop. With his triumphs and tragedies, from his human side to his personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius.”
For the director of the biopic “Michael’s spirit arrives in a magical way”
Director Antoine Fuqua, who has already directed successful films such as Training Day, The Magnificent Seven And The equalizer, he said: «We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and makeup, costumes, photography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But above all, it is Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit coming through in a magical way.”
The cast will include Colman Domingo as the Father Joe JacksonNia Long is the mother Katherine JacksonJuliano Krue Valdi as young Michael and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.
The Jackson Five in 1971: Michael and brothers Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Randy, with their father-manager Joseph, known as Joe Jackson. Getty Images
Allegations of child sexual abuse: will they be in the film?
It is not yet known whether the film will address the multiple accusations of sexual abuse of minors for which the artist was tried and found not guilty in 2003. Michael had always declared himself innocent, until his death at the age of 50 in 2009. Second Variety, “John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, will also produce the film. Which could influence how the abuse is reported.”
Certainly, the actor-nephew is enthusiastic about this role, to the point of publishing another iconic image taken by his brother Jourdynn Jackson on his Instagram profile, which links him to his famous uncle. In the post Jaafar writes: “I am honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans around the world, see you soon.”
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