Michael Jackson Biopic Director Says Late Singer’s ‘Spirit’ Shows in Nephew’s Performance: ‘Magical’

Antoine Fuqua is already praising Jaafar Jackson’s performance as Michael Jackson in their upcoming biopic.

As Lionsgate and Universal Pictures, on Tuesday released the first image of Jaafar, 27, in character for Michaelthe film’s director Fuqua said in a statement that Jaafar’s performance goes beyond the clear physical resemblance between him and his late uncle.

“We assembled an incredible team of artists for this project — hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything — and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film,” Fuqua, 58, said. “But most importantly, it is Jaafar who embodies Michael.”

“It goes beyond the physical resemblance,” Fuqua added. “It’s Michael’s spirit coming through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”

See the Michael Jackson biopic, side by side with real people

Jaafar Jackson in Michael from 2025.

Kevin Mazur / Lionsgate

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The filming of the upcoming biopic began at the end of last month. Nia Long and Colman Domingo, who play Jackson’s parents Katherine and Joe in the film, were seen in costume for the first time last week on the set of the film.

The first photo of Jaafar released on Tuesday was taken by photographer Kevin Mazur, who in 2009 took the final photos of Michael at rehearsals just days before his sudden death at the age of 50.

“When I walked onto the set, I felt like I was back in time and I was walking into a stadium to film a tour,” Mazur said in a statement. “Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, that’s Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to see Michael perform live in his lifetime, this is what it was like.”

Graham King, the film’s producer, added: “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way no other actor could.”

Everything you need to know about the Michael Jackson biopic

Jaafar Jackson and Michael Jackson. Gabriel Olsen/Getty, Dave Hogan/Getty

Lionsgate development further Michael was first announced in January 2023, together with Training day director Fuqua’s involvement in the film. The film was written by screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, Aviator, Skyfall) and will also have Miles Teller in its cast.

Jaafar is the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson, who performed with Michael in the Jackson family’s band The Jackson 5 years before Michael’s solo career took off.

Michael is in theaters on April 18, 2025.

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Source: HIS Education