Nephew plays Michael Jackson in biopic
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar cast to play him in upcoming biopic
Director Antoine Fuqua says the film will explore ‘the journey of the man who became the King of Pop’
Jaafar Jackson (left) is the son of Jackson 5 bassist and singer Jermaine Jackson, one of Michael’s older brothers
LOS ANGELES: The character of the world-famous pop singer, the late Michael Jackson will reportedly be played again by his 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson in the biopic “Michael”.
This news was confirmed by Studio Lionsgate in a statement which informed that the script will explore the life of “a complicated man who is called the King of Pop”.
According to the statement, the film will reveal “all aspects” of Michael’s life as well as his most important performances thus establishing him as an icon in the music world.
Filming will begin this year and the epic film will be directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King who agrees Jaafar has the natural ability to emulate and bring the character of Michael to life.
“It was clear that he was the only person who deserved to take on this role,” said King who was excited to bring Jaafar to the big screen as the ‘incarnation’ of his late uncle.
At the same time, Lionsgate did not mention one of the most controversial cases in the world superstar’s life episode, the 2005 child sexual abuse trial and additional allegations against the singer featured in the 2019 documentary, “Leaving Neverland.”
In 2005, Michael was acquitted by a California jury on charges of sexual abuse involving a 13-year-old boy.
Earlier, a 2019 documentary featured Wade Robson and James Safechuck who claimed they were friends with Michael and were abused since the ages of 7 and 10 respectively in the early 1990s.
In 2020, the California Court of Appeals ruled that the two men could pursue their claims through a lawsuit.
Michael’s family denied the allegations and won an appeal later that year.
Jaafar is the son of the late Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson who is also a singer and producer.
“Jaafar represents my son. It’s great to see him continue Jackson’s legacy as an entertainer,” said Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson as reported.
