The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, featuring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, is set to commence filming soon. Jaafar Jackson, aged 27, shared the news on Friday through an Instagram post, stating, “the journey starts Monday #Michaelmovie,” alongside a black-and-white photo showcasing him replicating his uncle’s iconic toe-standing move.
Antoine Fuqua, the director of “Michael,” and Lionsgate, the film’s distributing studio, both shared Jackson’s photo on their respective Instagram Stories. GK Films, the movie’s producer, also reposted the image and caption on its official Instagram account. The official Michael Jackson Instagram account joined in, posting the picture with the caption, “He’s ready! #MichaelMovie.” The film is being produced in collaboration with Michael Jackson’s estate.
The announcement of the film’s production start follows the recent casting revelation for “Michael.” Nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi has been cast to portray a young Michael Jackson in the biopic, as announced by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International. The film is scheduled for a global release on April 18, 2025, presenting the triumphs and tragedies of Michael Jackson’s life on an epic cinematic scale.
Principal photography for “Michael” is set to commence next week, according to the studio.
Jaafar Jackson, the chosen actor to portray his iconic uncle, is the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, a former Jackson 5 member and brother of Michael Jackson. Michael, renowned for his global hits and faced with persistent scandal, passed away in 2009 at the age of 50.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” expressed Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother, in a statement provided by Lionsgate Films last year.
Graham King, the producer known for his work on the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” expressed his admiration for Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, stating, “I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael. It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”
In August, a California appeals court revived lawsuits from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, featured in the 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland,” alleging sexual abuse by Michael Jackson during their childhood. The court ruled that the lower court should not have dismissed the lawsuits, allowing the men to pursue claims that the Michael Jackson-owned corporations had a responsibility to protect them from sexual abuse.
The Jackson estate, represented by attorney Jonathan Steinsapir, maintained confidence in Michael’s innocence, stating, “we remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations.”
As “Michael” enters the production phase, it will undoubtedly generate widespread interest and scrutiny, considering the complex legacy and controversies surrounding the legendary King of Pop. The film’s release promises to provide a cinematic exploration of Michael Jackson’s life, presenting both his creative genius and personal struggles for audiences worldwide.