The King of Pop’s story is coming to life on the big screen — and it’s staying in the family. Jaafar Jackson, the 29-year-old nephew of Michael Jackson, is set to portray his legendary uncle in the upcoming biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the Oscar-winning producer behind Bohemian Rhapsody and The Departed.
Production on the film began earlier this year, with a worldwide theatrical release scheduled for April 24, 2026. Early photos from the set show Jaafar’s striking resemblance to his uncle, capturing the energy and charisma that defined Michael’s career.
So, who is Jaafar Jackson? Here’s what you need to know about Jaafar below.
Antoine Fuqua confirmed Jaafar’s casting on January 30, 2023 He posted a behind-the-scenes photo of Jaafar in rehearsals for the Michael Jackson biopic. “Proud to announce @jaafarjackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon,” Antoine wrote on Instagram.
Jaafar shared the same photo on his Instagram and 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.”
Michael’s estate has given the rights to his musical catalog. The upcoming biopic will “not shy away from the controversies of Jackson’s life, the pedophile accusations that haunted his latest years up to his death in 2009 at age 50, from cardiac arrest caused by a cocktail of sedatives,” according to Deadline.
Jaafar is one of Jermaine’s 7 kids. Jaafar was born in 1996 to Jermaine, Michael’s older brother, and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. Alejandra notably dated Jermaine’s younger brother, Randy, and also had two kids with him. Jermaine and Alejandra were married from 1995 to 2003.
