Producers of a new biopic about Michael Jackson have cast his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, to play the late pop singer following a “worldwide search”.
Jaafar Jackson was “humbled and honored” after being chosen to portray his uncle in the new film, which will begin shooting later this year.
Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King said Jaafar Jackson, had a natural ability to emulate his uncle and bring him to life.
The official Michael Jackson account tweeted that we have heard the news, that, Michael Jackson’s Nephew, Jaafar, is To Play a Pop Star In New Biopic After a ‘Worldwide Search’
Lionsgate Studio said the biographical movie, called Michael, will explore “the complicated man who became the King of Pop”.
It said in a statement that the film will include “all aspects” of his life and his most noteworthy performances that set him on the path to becoming an icon in the musical world.
Lionsgate did not directly address one of the most controversial aspects of Jackson’s story – his trial on child sex abuse charges in 2005 and additional allegations against the singer featured in the 2019 documentary, Leaving Neverland.
In 2005, Michael Jackson was acquitted by a California jury in a sex abuse case involving a 13-year-old boy.
The 2019 documentary followed the accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claimed they were befriended by Jackson and sexually abused by him from ages 7 and 10, respectively, in the early 1990s.
Michael Jackson died aged 50 on 25th June 2009 just as he was preparing for his ‘This Is It comeback tour’.
While the creators of the film looked far and wide for the right person for the role, it seems their answer was closer to home.
Graham King said in a statement;
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael.
“It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role”.
Graham King
King was a producer on the award-winning Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which stars Rami Malek.
In an Instagram post Jaafar Jackson, 26, wrote:
“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon”.
Jaafar Jackson
Who is Jaafar Jackson?
Jaafar Jackson is Michael Jackson’s nephew. Jaafar’s father is Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s older brother. This means two of his aunts are fellow musical legends, LaToya Jackson and Janet Jackson.
Jaafar was born on July 25, 1996, a month before Michael Jackson famously finalized his divorce from Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Jaafar’s mother is Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who married Jermaine in 1995.
She also shares two kids with Michael Jackson’s other brother Randy Jackson.
Like his uncle, Jaafar is a singer. He’s been singing and dancing since the age of 12.
While his singing voice is distinctly his own, if you close your eyes and listen carefully you will clearly hear in his inflections and tone an uncanny resemblance to Michael.
Despite being Michael’s nephew, Jaafar’s journey to playing his uncle on the big screen was not necessarily handed to him on a silver platter.
According to the film’s producer Graham King, a fishing net was cast all across the globe to find the perfect Michael.
Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, Jaafar’s grandmother has given approval in the news release, saying;
“Jaafar embodies my son.
“It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers”.
Katherine Jackson
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