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Jaafar Jackson to star as Michael Jackson in upcoming 'Michael' biopic

By Bianca Geli
Published November 7, 2025 11:24 AM PHT

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Jaafar Jackson


Jaafar Jackson steps into the legendary shoes of his uncle Michael Jackson in the highly anticipated biopic Michael, set to hit theaters in 2026.

Looks like the King of Pop's story is getting the royal treatment, and this time, it's staying in the family.

The first teaser for Michael, the much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, just dropped, giving fans a peek at Jaafar Jackson (Michael's real-life nephew) as he steps into the shoes of his late uncle who passed away at 50 in 2009 due to acute propofol intoxication.

From the quick preview alone, the movie focuses on MJ's peak eras, from the music videos, the moves, the pure pop electricity.

The teaser shows Jaafar nailing some of MJ's biggest moments, including that legendary Moonwalk and a throwback to the "Thriller" days.

Notably missing from the trailer is any reference to MJ's highly publicized legal controversies. The pop icon was acquitted in 2006 after a headline-making trial in Santa Maria, California, where he faced child molestation charges, which MJ denied.

The film's official description announced, Michael is “the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.” The biopic promises to go deeper than the hits, exploring the “Smooth Criminal” singer's “life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.”

The biopic also boasts an impressive lineup of stars. Colman Domingo takes on the role of family patriarch Joe Jackson, while Nia Long portrays matriarch Katherine Jackson. Rounding out the cast are Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Derek Luke, Larenz Tate, and Miles Teller.

Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua, best known for Training Day and The Equalizer films, with a screenplay written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan.

According to the film's official site, Michael is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026.