The first teaser for Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic, is out, introducing Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop. Nephew to MJ and son of Jermaine Jackson, Jaafar shares a striking resemblance and was close to his uncle. The film, set for April 2026, promises an intimate look at Jackson’s life and career, from The Jackson 5 to global superstardom.
The first teaser of Michael, the highly anticipated biopic of pop icon Michael Jackson, is finally out. On Thursday, November 6, the first glimpse featuring Jaafar Jackson as the pop icon was released. Michael is set for release in April 2026. Ever since the teaser dropped, there has been only one question on viewers’ minds – who is the actor playing Michael Jackson? Why does he bear such a striking resemblance with MJ? What’s behind that familiar surname? Here’s everything you need to know about Jaafar Jackson.
Who is Jaafar Jackson?
The resemblance you noticed while watching the teaser is no coincidence. Jaafar Jackson is the nephew of the late King of Pop. The 29-year-old is the son of Michael Jackson’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson. Born in July 1996 in Los Angeles to Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and Jermaine Jackson, Jaafar wasn’t initially keen on music. As a teenager, he pursued a career in professional golf, swinging clubs with the precision of a performer. But music called louder. He began singing and dancing at the age of 12. A talented pianist, Jaafar Jackson released his debut single Got Me Singing in 2019. He has also appeared in family-related projects such as The Jacksons: Next Generation and has covered songs by iconic artists like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye.
Music runs in the family
Jaafar’s father, Jermaine, and uncles Jackie, Marlon, Tito, Michael, and Randy Jackson were all members of the classic R&B group The Jackson 5. His aunts Janet, La Toya, and Rebbie Jackson are also musicians.
He was close to uncle Michael Jackson
Jaafar Jackson was close to his uncle Michael. He has fond memories of the time they shared together. “I recall being at Neverland, playing hide and seek, going on rides, watching movies, and just having a great time,” he told the South China Morning Post earlier. He wasn’t into music when his uncle was at the peak of his stardom, so he missed the opportunity to have music-related conversations. “I would have asked him many questions about the career I have chosen for myself.”Losing his uncle was devastating. “It was very tough. I can’t even put my mind back to how it felt that day,” Jaafar told Get Balanced.What to expect from MichaelThe upcoming biopic promises an intimate look at Michael Jackson’s triumphs and tribulations. From chartbusters to courtroom battles, the film will take audiences through the illustrious career of Michael Jackson. Jaafar Jackson’s casting received approval from Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, who said Jaafar “embodies” her son.The biopic will tell the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music. Michael features Colman Domingo as the singer’s father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as his mother Katherine Jackson, Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and many other stars who portray the influential people in Jackson’s life. Michael will trace his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of The Jackson 5 to becoming the most iconic entertainer in the world. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan of Gladiator and Skyfall fame, the film will explore his life off stage, as well as offer a peek into some of his most iconic performances from his early solo career. According to the filmmakers, the film will give audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.Michael is scheduled to be released in cinemas on April 24, 2026. Go to Source
