Michael Jackson’s Nephew Is Playing Him in the Upcoming Biopic — and the Resemblance Is Uncanny
Antoine Fuqua’s movie has been in development hell since 2019 and is now projected to finally arrive to theatres in 2026.
The world has seen a plenty of long-awaited biopics in the recent several years, but one in particular has been repeatedly delayed, much to fans’ disappointment.
Having spent more than five years in development, the Michael Jackson-inspired biographical drama titled Michael has just been confirmed to be released soon, with many famous names in the cast (like Miles Teller and Colman Domingo) and young rising stars bringing the late singer’s story to the big screen.
The future movie, however, might hold a special place in the collection of movie projects dedicated to Michael Jackson, starring one of the singer’s closed ones as the lead.
Who Portrays Michael Jackson in ‘Michael’?
In the upcoming film, now set to be released on April 26, 2026, Michael Jackson is portrayed by Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew.
According to multiple sources, a general casting was held before Jaafar’s name came into consideration, with the young actor eventually getting the role and receiving notes about his resemblance to the legendary uncle.
“It's incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera”, Michael’s director Antoine Fuqua revealed in a statement to Variety back in 2023.
As many reports also suggested back when the project was announced, Michael will chronicle all the most important events of Michael Jackson’s life, from his childhood in the 1960s and shocking death in 2009, and will focus on all the aspects of the singer’s life.
The future movie will become the film debut for Jaafar who has already gained recognition as singer and dancer.
What Does Michael Jackson’s Family Think of His Biopic?
While all kinds of other projects were dedicated to Michael Jackson during his lifetime and after passing away, so far there wasn’t a drama movie recounting the artist’s vivid and pretty complicated life.
That’s the reason why doubts could have entered when Michael was announced, though Jackson’s family confirmed they were fine with Fuqua’s vision of the story years ago.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers”, Jackson’s mother Katherine told The Hollywood Reporter back in 2023.
Jaafar is Katherine’s grandson and the son of Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine.
Michael will be released in cinemas worldwide on April 26, 2026.
