The Jackson family name will certainly be represented when “Michael” comes out later this month.
The movie chronicles the life of superstar Michael Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50.
Jackson was one of the world’s most famous people for decades, so finding the right actor to play him was key. Director Antoine Fuqua didn’t have to go too far to land the person he thought fit the bill: The “Billie Jean” hitmaker’s own nephew, Jafaar Jackson, will portray him in his first onscreen acting role.
“It was a process that I really had to earn, and it really proved to the filmmakers and myself and my family that I can get to that point where I can pull it off,” he said April 2 on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle in what was his first television interview.
Jafaar Jackson also shared memories of spending time with Michael when he was younger.
“I remember just growing up, and we would have family time. Michael would come over to where I was growing up … and we’d have some some days where we’d all get together, play family game day,” he said. “We’d have wonderful times at Neverland and just playing hide-and-go-seek, getting as much candy, going on rides, watching movies. It was all fun.”
“There’s definitely a responsibility that you feel going into something this big, and the scope, and to tell it in a cinematic way. There’s so many moments that I wanted to nail and make sure I had the true essence and that feeling. I had to feel it to make sure I believed in it, first,” he continued.
Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, had given the seal of approval to the casting when it was announced in 2023.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” she said in a press release.
Jaafar Jackson told TODAY the support from his family has been “heartwarming.”
“I honestly wouldn’t be able to pull this off if I didn’t have the support,” he said.
Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, has been critical of the film, saying she wasn’t involved and that it has some inaccuracies.
“Michael,” which also stars Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Kendrick Sampson and Laren Tate, opens April 24.
Read on to find out more about Jackson and just how he is related to the King of Pop.
Who Is Jaafar Jackson?
Jafaar Jackson is a singer and dancer, whose 2019 song “Got Me Singing” has garnered more than 10 million views on YouTube.
He has also appeared in a 2015 episode of the reality show “The Jacksons: Next Generation” and in the 2021 music video for uncle Tito Jackson’s single “Love One Another.”
The younger Jackson, who says the vocals in the film are a mixture of his and his uncle’s voices, also wanted to make sure he gave Michael the kind of attention to detail he deserved.
“I wanted to set goals for myself to nail the mannerisms. It was the vocal of it was just his essence and and how he goes about in a conversational way. But I wanted to make sure I had everything in a balanced way — I didn’t want the dancing to outdo the acting and the acting outdo the dancing,” he said.
“I wanted to really embody it completely and do it in a way where it feels natural, like it feels like I’m a seasoned actor, since it’s my first time, but I wanted to approach it in that sense.”
How Are Jaafar Jackson and Michael Jackson Related?
Jaafar Jackson is Michael Jackson’s nephew. Jafaar Jackson’s father, Jermaine Jackson, is is Michael’s brother.
His mother is Alejandra Oaziaza, who also has two kids with Jermaine and Michael’s brother, Randy Jackson.
What Has Jaafar Jackson Said About Michael Jackson?
After his casting was announced, Jafaar Jackson reflected on the responsibility of playing his uncle.
“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,” he captioned a picture on Instagram of what appeared to be him rehearsing
“I never dreamed to be an actor, or even thought of playing him, but I knew it was a calling,” he said. “Embodying Michael, I really had to earn the role and prove to the filmmakers that I was capable of becoming Michael.”
