The pop icon’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the title role ‘Michael Jackson’ in the biopic “Michael,” which starts filming this year.
Jaafar Jackson, 26, is the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, 68, Michael’s brother.
The movie’s director, Antoine Fuqua, announced on Jan. 30 on Instagram that the late King of Pop’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, 26, has been tapped to play the music legend.
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The younger Jackson not only brings the right genetics to the project, he also boasts real musical ability. A singer and dancer since childhood, Jackson has recorded solo music of his own. A 2019 video for his single “Got Me Singing” racked up more than 8 million views on YouTube.
According to Deadline, “Michael” will tell the story of Michael Jackson’s rise to global stardom, first as a member of the Jackson 5 and later as a solo superstar, while not sidestepping “the controversies of Jackson’s life,” which included multiple child molestation charges for which Jackson was tried and acquitted. Jackson denied all allegations, and the Jackson estate continues to deny allegations.
Michael Jackson died in 2009 at age 50 from acute propofol intoxication.
“Michael” is being co-produced by Graham King, who also produced the Oscar-winning 2018 Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, said in a press release, “Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”
This article was originally published on TODAY.com