Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming biopic ‘Michael,’ which will be released in cinemas on 24 April 2026. In a striking portrayal, Jaafar embodies his famous uncle, depicting the life of one of music’s most enduring figures.
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The 29-year-old is the son of Jermaine Jackson, a member of The Jackson 5 and Michael’s brother. Jaafar’s decision to keep his casting a secret from his family for an entire year speaks volumes about the enormity of the role he has taken on. During a candid conversation with his co-star Miles Teller, who plays Jackson’s lawyer and manager John Branca, Jaafar revealed that he even withheld the news from his mother, Alejandra.
Reflecting on the secrecy surrounding his casting, Jaafar explained, “No one in my family knew for a full year. I kept it pretty quiet until I felt comfortable enough to share it.” He recounted the moment his mother saw him on screen, noting the emotional impact it had on her. “When my mom saw it on-screen, it blew her away,” he said, adding that it was difficult for her to reconcile what she was watching with her son.
The biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua, features an impressive cast, bringing to life the stories and relationships surrounding Michael Jackson. Alongside Jaafar and Teller, notable performances include Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, his mother, and Kat Graham in the role of Diana Ross, a fellow Motown star.
Jaafar’s experience watching the completed film has been multifaceted. He shared that the emotional rollercoaster of seeing his uncle’s life portrayed on screen was both thrilling and strange for his family, particularly considering the public attention that will inevitably follow the film’s release. “My mother is very protective of me, knowing what’s to come with this,” he remarked, acknowledging the challenges that might accompany the biopic’s popularity.
Interestingly, Jaafar’s father, Jermaine, has not yet seen the film. Expressing anticipation for his father’s reaction, Jaafar noted, “I can’t wait for that. It was a full body experience and definitely shows a side of me that my mum hasn’t seen.”
During his conversation with Teller for Interview magazine, Jaafar recounted his initial impressions while watching the film. He tried to approach it without being overly critical, admitting that the first viewing felt entirely different from what he had expected. “It went by so fast. I was like, ‘Wait, that’s it?’” he said, highlighting how quickly the narrative unfolded on screen.
After experiencing the film for a second time, Jaafar found a newfound appreciation for the storytelling and the craft of filmmaking. “I was able to understand what the story is and really allow myself to enjoy what’s on the screen, rather than thinking of all the things we shot that aren’t in there.” This reflection further illustrates the complexities involved in portraying such an iconic figure.
As the release date draws near, excitement is building for ‘Michael.’ With Jaafar Jackson at the helm of this biographical project, audiences can expect a unique perspective on the legacy of one of the most celebrated entertainers in history. The combination of family ties and professional ambition adds a rich layer to the film, promising an emotional, yet powerful tribute to Michael Jackson’s life and career.