Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic is set to hit theaters in 2025. However, Lionsgate and Universal are giving fans an early treat, as they are teasing the project with a first look photo of Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson. In the image, Jaafar is bringing the “Man in the Mirror” to life in the upcoming biopic, Michael.
The photo shows Jaafar as the King of Pop performing “Man in the Mirror” from Jackson’s legendary 1992-93 Dangerous World Tour. Kevin Mazur, not only captured this moment of Jaafar, but shot the original image and many other of Michael Jackson tours and rehearsals in the 1980s and ’90s.
“When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson,” Mazu said in a recent press release about the project. “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
Graham King, producer of the upcoming biopic, echoed Mazu’s sentiments saying that, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Director Antoine Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film.” The 58-year-old concluded, “But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
In January of 2023, the 27-year-old son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Geneviene posted an image of himself on social media transformed into the King of Pop, saying that he is … “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.”
In addition to Jackson, nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi has signed on to star in the project as the young Micheal Jackson.
So just what can fans expect from the upcoming biopic? Keep reading for a brief synopsis from Lionsgate below.
Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured 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.
Michael is set to debut in theaters on April 18, 2025.
Photo: Jaafar Jackson Instagram; Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate.
