View Jaafar Jackson’s Striking Resemblance to Michael Jackson in New First Look for Michael
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International released the first look of Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic Michael.
In the first look released on February 13, Jaafar Jackson channels late uncle Michael Jackson’s iconic “Man in the Mirror” performance from the Dangerous Tour for the upcoming Michael biopic. This will be Jackson’s first acting role.
First look at Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 13, 2024
In theaters April 2025. pic.twitter.com/5j6d7ISMOK
The still of Jackson has gone viral due to his striking resemblance to the King of Pop. Renowned photographer Kevin Mazur, who documented Jackson throughout his career, captured the photo. He also worked alongside the icon on his final tour, “This Is It.”
Mazur explained, witnessing Jaafar’s on-set performance, “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time, and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) and produced by Oscar® winner Graham King/GK Films (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Aviator, The Departed), with a script from three-time Oscar® nominee John Logan.
While speaking about the film, director Antoine Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, and everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.
— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023
Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup
Michael will portray Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies in an epic, cinematic scale to give fans an immersive look into the man’s brilliant yet complicated life. The film began production on January 22 in Los Angeles, California. Nia Long and Colman Domingo will portray Joe and Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller will depict entertainment lawyer and manager John Branca, who is co-producing the film alongside Graham King and John McClain. Branca and McClain are co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.
Michael is slated for release on April 18, 2025.
Isaiah is an entertainment writer for Glitter Magazine with a focus on music and film stories. He enjoys the aforementioned topics as well as performing, yoga, and fashion.
