Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar Jackson To Star In King Of Pop's Biopic

Michael Jackson‘s nephew Jaafar Jackson has been roped in to play the role of the King of Pop in a biopic about the singer’s life.

Jaafar Jackson, the 26-year-old nephew of Michael Jackson, will play the role of the King of Pop in the planned biopic “Michael.” The movie is to be directed by Antoine Fuqua and is being produced by Oscar-winning “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King. King is producing the movie along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Meanwhile, John Logan, who penned the scripts for Gladiator and The Aviator, has written the script for the biopic, the Hollywood Reporter reported.

Jaafar is the second-youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother. In 2019, he released his debut single, “Got Me Singing.” “Michael” will be Jaafar’s acting debut.

“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” said King in a statement. “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. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”

Fuqua shared a black-and-white photograph of Jaafar in character on Instagram. Fuqua added in a statement that Jaafar “has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera,” Associated Press News reported.

Following the announcement, Jaafar wrote on Twitter and shared that he’s “humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life.”

“Jaafar embodies my son,” Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael Jackson, said in a statement. “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”

“Michael” is to begin shooting this year.

Michael Jackson rose from child stardom in the Jackson 5, became the biggest pop star in the world, and won 13 Grammys. He died in 2009 at the age of 50.

According to Lionsgate, the film will address all aspects of Michael Jackson’s life. However, it is unclear how the movie will address the many controversies involving the late music icon.