Lionsgate has pulled back the curtain on Michael, the upcoming biopic about the life of Michael Jackson, with a brand-new behind-the-scenes featurette. At the heart of the project is Jaafar Jackson, the late pop icon’s nephew, stepping into the moonwalking shoes of his legendary uncle.
In the newly released footage, Jaafar is seen channeling the King of Pop with striking precision, from the sequin-sharp strut of “Billie Jean” to the undead theatrics of “Thriller.” Clad in the iconic black suit and later the red leather jacket, Jaafar’s transformation is more than skin-deep—it’s a labor of love.
Jaafar, son of Jermaine Jackson, candidly reveals that he never set out to become an actor. “I never dreamed to be an actor or even thought of playing him,” he says in the video. “But I knew it was a calling.” He details the challenge of earning the role, emphasizing how he had to prove to director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King that he could carry the weight of portraying one of music’s most influential figures.
Director Fuqua and producer King also appear in the featurette, offering praise for Jaafar’s dedication. Their presence underscores the level of craftsmanship and care invested in the production.
For Jaafar, the experience has been deeply personal. He describes a set environment imbued with reverence and affection for Michael Jackson. “Everybody had that love and wanted to put all their heart and soul into it,” he reflects.
Michael is scheduled to hit theaters on April 24, promising fans a cinematic portrait of an icon brought to life by someone who shares his blood and, it seems, his rhythm.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate