The summer of 2024 will mark fifteen years since Michael Jackson’s last moonwalk. Since stepping onto the scene with his brothers in the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson never left the public eye, even after his tragic death. With over 500 million records sold as a solo artist and with the Jackson 5 (later The
Jacksons), his legacy echoes throughout music history.
“Michael,” the upcoming film, promises to give an in-depth look into every facet of Jackson’s incredible career, unfolding right before our eyes. While not the first to capture his life story, it follows in the footsteps of previous features like Lifetime’s 2017 “Searching for Neverland” and VH1’s 2004 “Man in the Mirror.” However, the most memorable portrayal might be “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” a 1992 ABC miniseries that garnered rave reviews and an Emmy Award, with Jermaine Jackson, co-lead singer of the Jackson 5, serving as an executive producer.
Speaking of Jermaine, who will have the honor of portraying the King of Pop in this new film? It’s none other than Jaafar Jackson, Jermaine’s son and Michael’s nephew. Following the film’s announcement, a global casting search was conducted to find someone who embodied the essence of the King of Pop. But with Jaafar, the search ended within the family.
This marks Jaafar’s film debut, but music runs deep in his veins, being a Jackson. He not only plays the piano but has also released his own music and appeared on his cousins’ 3T (sons of Tito Jackson) reality show, “The Jacksons: Next Generation.” We eagerly await another Jackson thrilling the world with his talents.
Juliano Valdi will portray a young Michael Jackson, while Coleman Domingo and Nia Long take on the roles of family patriarch and matriarch Joe and Katherine Jackson, respectively. Miles Teller joins the cast as John Branca, co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate. Further casting announcements are expected soon.
Antoine Fuqua, known for films like “Training Day,” surprisingly began his career directing music videos, adding a unique perspective. “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King joins the team, along with Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning writer John Logan crafting the script.
For American and Japanese audiences, Lionsgate will be the film’s distributor, while Universal Pictures International handles its release elsewhere. Mark your calendars! “Michael” hits theaters on April 18, 2025.
