In a recent interview, costume designer Marci Rodgers shared her experience of working on the film *Michael*, which features Jaafar Jackson portraying his legendary uncle, the late pop icon Michael Jackson. This biopic is set to hit UK cinemas on 24 April, focusing on the remarkable life of the King of Pop from the inception of the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through to the conclusion of the Victory Tour in 1988.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jaafar-jackson-michael-biopic-021026-2-07943a777eda46fc83e378f9b23d21a5.jpg)
Rodgers described witnessing Jaafar’s transformation on set as an otherworldly experience. She expressed how the 29-year-old actor not only wore the costumes reminiscent of his uncle but also embodied his essence, particularly during the musical performances. “Michael came through him,” Rodgers remarked, adding that Jaafar didn’t just impersonate Michael; he truly became him in those moments. This heartfelt connection was evident when Jaafar sang some of Michael’s greatest hits, including “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Bad.”
Prince Jackson, one of Michael’s sons and an executive producer of *Michael*, echoed Rodgers’ sentiments during an interview with ABC News. Reflecting on his emotional reactions while watching Jaafar’s portrayal, Prince recounted how he grew up with Jaafar at the Jackson family compound, Hayvenhurst. He described the moment he first saw Jaafar in full hair and makeup as a profound experience that evoked memories of his father. “To see him… Jaafar just embodied him and brought him back in that moment,” Prince noted, revealing how overwhelming it was for him to witness this transformation.
Emotions ran high within the Jackson family, particularly for Jaafar’s uncle Jackie, who also spoke about the film at its premiere. Overcome with emotion, Jackie shared, “I got so emotional, ’cause he became Michael on that screen, and it brought tears to my eyes. He’s incredible.” This sentiment underscores the significance of Jaafar’s performance not only as an actor but as a family member paying homage to a beloved relative.
Jaafar himself reflected on the emotional impact of his family’s reactions to his portrayal. After completing his initial screen test, he received encouraging phone calls from each of his uncles, all of whom expressed their emotional pride in his performance. Hearing their support moved him to tears. “That makes me the happiest I can possibly be,” Jaafar said, particularly highlighting the pride of his grandmother, Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother.
The biopic features a stellar ensemble cast alongside Jaafar, including Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael Jackson and Colman Domingo portraying the family’s patriarch, Joe Jackson. The film has been developed with involvement and support from many of Michael’s family members, honouring his legacy both on and off the screen.
In addition to the Jackson family, the film includes notable performances from Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as lawyer-manager John Branca, Laura Harrier as producer Suzanne de Passe, and Mike Myers as CBS Records executive Walter Yetnikoff. Their collective contributions help to flesh out the story of a cultural icon whose influence continues to resonate.
Under the direction of Antoine Fuqua and with a screenplay by John Logan, *Michael* aspires to provide an intimate look at the life journey of Michael Jackson, showcasing both his talents and the complexities of his personal life. As anticipation builds ahead of the film’s release, reactions from family members and those involved offer a testament to the importance of this portrayal of an artist who transformed the music industry.
As audiences prepare to witness Jaafar’s portrayal on the big screen, many are hopeful that *Michael* will not only entertain but also convey the essence and spirit of a man whose music has left an indelible mark on the world.