Michael Jackson's Nephew Cast In Biopic

Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of Michael Jackson, is set to play the famous performer in the upcoming biopic, Michael.

The film, to be directed by Antoine Fuqua, was announced a few weeks ago. The Training Day director commented to Variety, "It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera."

In a photo snapped by Jourdynn Jackson and shared by Jaafar on Instagram, the 26-year-old is the spitting image of his uncle in the Smooth Criminal days. Jaafar wrote, "I’m humbled and honored [sic] to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon."

Deadline has revealed that the Michael Jackson estate has given Lionsgate the rights to the Billie Jean singer's discography.

Accompanying Fuqua to tell the story of Michael is John Logan, the screenwriter for the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre; Graham King, who produced the mega-hit Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, is also on board and will produce alongside the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain. 

Sources told Deadline that the film would undoubtedly capture Jackson's rise to fame, including the days when he fronted The Jackson 5. According to the publication, his career achievements will be in the spotlight, but "it will also deal squarely with the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years up to his death in 2009".

Antoine Fuqua said about the movie, "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." Indeed, his music video directing credits include Prince, Lil Wayne, Toni Braxton and Stevie Wonder. 

He added, "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. 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."

Watch Jaafar Jackson sing and dance in the music video for Got Me Singing below.