Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaffar Jackson will star in the biographical film about the singer’s life.
Lionsgate is behind the project, titled ‘Michael,’ which is being led by Antoine Fuqua, who shared the news on Instagram.
Graham King, a veteran of the Oscar-winning biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, is producing with co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClane.
According to sources, John Logan, who wrote the script for the award-winning movie, ‘Gladiator’ and the ‘pilot,’ wrote the screenplay for the biopic.
Jackson, who won 13 Grammys and rose to stardom in the Jackson 5, became the world’s biggest pop star before his passing in 2009 at the age of 50.
According to Lionsgate, the film will touch on all aspects of Jackson’s life, although it’s unclear how it will address the many controversies surrounding the late music icon, as the biopic is being kept alongside his estate, which defended him from the allegations of child sexual abuse.
Those allegations were brought back into public discourse thanks to the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael Jackson.
Jaafar Jackson is the son of Michael’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, and is a budding singer who released his debut single, “Got Me Singing,” in 2019.
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” said King. “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. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”
