Jaafar Jackson will portray his uncle and legendary pop star on screen
Michael Jackson in Brunei on July 16, 1996. PHOTO:
Michael Jackson’s story is coming to the big screen next year.
Lionsgate announced that the upcoming biopic Michael will hit theaters on April 18, 2025. The studio is releasing the movie domestically, and Universal is releasing the film internationally. The film will begin production on Jan. 22, reports Variety.
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” reads the movie’s official synopsis. “The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Training Day’s Antoine Fuqua is directing the upcoming production, and Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will star as the “Thriller” singer. Jaafar is the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson. The screenplay was written by Gladiator’s John Logan.
“It’s uncanny how much [Jaafar is] like Michael,” Fuqua told Entertainment Weekly. “Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.”
Jaafar Jackson on September 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Graham King will produce alongside John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of Jackson‘s estate. The biographical movie is set to cover all aspects of the singer’s life. It is currently unknown whether the film will address Jackson’s controversies.
Child sexual abuse allegations were brought against Jackson towards the end of his life and after his death. Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50.
In 2003, he was arrested on charges of child molestation, though he was acquitted of those charges in 2005. Jackson was accused of sexual abuse by two individuals after he died in 2013. The 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland revisited the allegations.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Michael Jackson on his ‘Dangerous’ World Tour, on July 30, 1992.
Michael Jackson’s First-Ever Studio Recording to Be Released Digitally
More recently, Jackson’s life has been adapted for the stage. On Feb. 1, 2022, MJ: The Musical premiered on Broadway and chronicles the Bad singer’s creative process, focusing on the singer’s preparation for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The show was written by Lynn Nottage, and directed and choreographed by Tony winner, Christopher Wheeldon.
The show scored four Tony Awards in 2022 — including best leading actor in a musical to Myles Frost, best choreography to Wheeldon, best lighting design and best sound design.
News
Alexa Bliss spotted training; looks in incredible shape ahead of WWE return
Alexa Bliss has been out of in-ring action for well over a year. [Image credits: wwe.com] Alexa Bliss was spotted training at the gym during her hiatus from WWE in a recent Instagram story. It has been more than a…
Rhea Ripley reacts to a fan who tried to touch her at WWE event
Rhea Ripley has a tough Road to WWE WrestleMania this year. The Women’s World Champion first faces Nia Jax in Australia, and, if she survives The Irresistible Force, she will go on to defend her belt against the winner of…
Stephanie McMahon allegedly got pis*ed at WWE veteran on a flight
Stephanie McMahon had an argument with a WWE veteran on a plane, as per the latter’s comments. Greg Gagne had a brief stint with WWE in 2006 and worked as the OVW booker. He was let go by the promotion…
“Pirates of the Caribbean” will no longer have iconic Captain Jack Sparrow
In a recent interview with Variety, famous producer Jerry Bruckheimer shared about the future of the two popular film franchises he is behind, Top Gun and Pirates of the Caribbean. As for Top Gun, Bruckheimer said part 3 of the…
Johnny Depp’s relaunch REVEALED: Truth about reprise of Captain Jack Sparrow role in Pirates Of The Caribbean reboot… the status of his romance with Amber Heard trial lawyer Joelle Rich… and plans for actor’s own brand of rum
The cheekbones are back. As is a languidly stylish and much shorter haircut. And while Johnny Depp retains that trademark rough-cut and tattooed charm, the excessively scruffy – perhaps even grubby – look of recent months seems to be well past. Friends explain…
Johnny Depp almost lost the role of Jack Sparrow to this actor: He holds the world record and is also the “original” of the captain!
This is the male actor representing the Jack Sparrow role model played by Johnny Depp. As the “chameleon” of the Hollywood film industry, Johnny Depp has many familiar roles, leaving many impressions on the audience. But certainly the image of mischievous and…
End of content
No more pages to load