After the monumental success of the Michael Jackson biopic, speculation is swirling that Janet Jackson, the legendary singer and sister of the late King of Pop, might consider her own film project. Jaafar Jackson, who portrayed Michael in the film and is also his nephew, hinted at the possibility of Janet embarking on a biographical film project during a recent interview.
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The biopic, titled simply Michael, has garnered significant acclaim, having crossed the $1 billion mark in global box office sales shortly after its release in April. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring a screenplay by John Logan, the film chronicles Michael Jackson’s rise to fame from his early days with the Jackson 5 through to the release of his iconic solo album, Bad, in the late 1980s. Despite the film’s family-centric narrative, Janet Jackson’s absence from the storyline has raised eyebrows, and Jaafar reflected on this absence in his cover story for GQ Middle East.
Jaafar noted, “I don’t want to speak too early, but Janet has ideas of maybe doing her own film.” He expressed his understanding of the complexities involved, hinting that having another actor portray her in Michael could complicate matters for a potential solo project. He acknowledged the importance of respecting Janet’s autonomy in deciding how her story should be told, given her influential role in the music world.
While a representative for Janet Jackson has yet to respond to media requests regarding the potential film, it has been confirmed by La Toya Jackson, another of the Jackson siblings, that Janet was indeed approached to participate in Michael but opted not to take part. La Toya remarked, “She was asked and she kindly declined,” emphasising the need to respect her sister’s choice. Having many family members involved in the production, La Toya’s comments underscore the importance of Janet’s stand on how her life and career should be represented.
Michael’s release has allowed an opportunity for deeper familial reflections. Jaafar recalled attending an early screening with family members, sharing his apprehension and the emotional responses that followed. “I didn’t want to be in the room, but I was like, I should,” he explained. His portrayal brought visible relief to family members, leading to a wave of support and hugs after the screening. “There were some sniffles, a few cousins getting emotional,” he added, highlighting the weight of representing such a notable family legacy on screen.
The unexpected success of Michael has led to conversations about the future of biopics within the Jackson family. Following comments from Miles Teller, who played Michael’s lawyer John Branca, Lionsgate has confirmed that a sequel is currently in the works. Given the original film’s critical and commercial reception, it’s conceivable that additional narratives within the Jackson family could be explored, particularly if Janet decides to pursue her own story.
The biopic features a star-studded cast, including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, their mother. The film provides a look into the Jackson family’s early achievements with Motown Records and the collective journey that shaped one of the most famous musical legacies in history.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the demand for personal narratives becomes ever more pronounced. Should Janet Jackson indeed decide to move forward with her own biographical project, it could offer fans a unique insight into her life, career, and the complexities of being part of such an iconic family.
The public is left anticipating what stories Janet may wish to tell, and as the dialogue around representation and legacy deepens, it seems the Jackson family saga is far from over.