Who is Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the ‘king of pop’ who will play his uncle in the biopic ‘Michael’?

The first trailer for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic chronicling Michael Jackson’s rise to global superstardom, has dropped—and fans are buzzing about the casting choice.

Playing the King of Pop is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew and son of Jermaine Jackson. And from what we’ve seen so far, the decision to keep it in the family looks like a masterstroke.

Jaafar doesn’t just resemble his legendary uncle—he’s nailed the voice, the rhythm, and even Michael’s signature laugh. It’s a performance that feels less like imitation and more like spiritual channeling, a point director Antoine Fuqua emphasized when he described Jaafar’s portrayal as “magical.”

Son of Jackson 5 bass player, Jermaine

Born in Los Angeles in 1996 to Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, Jaafar grew up immersed in music and performance. He began singing and dancing at age 12 and released his debut single, “Got Me Singing,” in 2019. The music video, filmed in Rio de Janeiro’s Vidigal favela, was a clear homage to Michael’s iconic “They Don’t Care About Us” video shot in Brazil in the ’90s—a subtle nod to the legacy he’s now stepping into.

Many fans discovered Jaafar through that video after the trailer’s release, impressed by his ease on camera and confident choreography. It’s boosted expectations for what could be the defining role of his career.

Why Jaafar?

The casting was announced back in 2023 after an extensive search led by producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) and screenwriter John Logan.

With the full support of Michael Jackson’s estate—managed by John Branca and John McClain—Jaafar was chosen not just for his uncanny resemblance, but for his ability to embody Michael’s essence.

This marks Jaafar’s first major film role, following appearances in family projects like The Jacksons: Next Generation and various Jackson music videos. Fuqua and the creative team have made it clear: Jaafar isn’t impersonating Michael—he’s channeling him. That distinction could be the key to making Michael more than just another music biopic.

Covering everything from the Jackson 5 era to Michael’s record-breaking solo tours, the film promises a comprehensive look at the artist’s life—including the controversial chapters. And with Jaafar’s blend of physical likeness, vocal talent, and deep-rooted connection to the Jackson legacy, the film aims to strike a rare balance between authenticity and artistry.

What we know so far about the Michael Jackson biopic

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is set to hit U.S. theaters on April 24, 2026, distributed by Lionsgate, with Universal handling international release. The trailer showcases Jaafar portraying Michael across different stages of his life, supported by a strong cast: Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as estate attorney John Branca.

With the trailer now live and buzz building, Jaafar Jackson faces the ultimate challenge—proving that his last name isn’t a shortcut, but the foundation for a breakout performance that could redefine his career.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.