Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson roped in to play the King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic

Earlier in January 2023, it was reported that Emancipation director Antoine Fuqua will reportedly helm the Michael Jackson biopic titled Michael set for Lionsgate. The screenplay will be by John Logan. The film will chronicle the life and career of music legend Jackson. Now, it is being reported that Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson has been roped in to play the King of Pop.

"Proud to announce @jafaarjackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon," Fuqua wrote on Instagram on Monday alongside a photo of Jaafar rehearsing Michael's legendary moves in a costume.

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According to Variety, Michael is said to give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.

Deadline reports that the film will also explore the “controversies of Jackson's life," and the headline-making multiple allegations of child sexual abuse. Jackson was tried and acquitted in 2005.

Produced by Graham King, the biopic is set to begin principal photography this year. Interestingly, this marks one of the latest trends of biopics on musicians including Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, and Rami Malek starrer Bohemian Rhapsody which was produced by Graham King.