Jaafar Jackson and Michael Jackson.
Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Getty Images
Fans of sanding down the edges of complicated historical figures should be thrilled (get it?) because the producer of Bohemian Rhapsody and the writer of The Aviator have turned their eyes to Michael Jackson. And, as if the Jackson estate weren’t involved enough, the King of Pop’s own nephew is set to play him, and the movie is beginning production later this month, according to Lionsgate. It’ll head to theaters on April 18, 2025, and is described by the studio as “a riveting and honest portrayal” of the star that’s “exemplified by his most iconic performances.”
Director Antoine Fuqua announced on Instagram in January 2023 that Jaafar Jackson, a 26-year-old singer and son of Jermaine Jackson, will play the titular role in Michael. “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” Jaafar tweeted. “To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”
Deadline previously reported that Emancipation director Fuqua is go-go-go to direct a biopic about the pop superstar–alleged criminal. The script will be written by John Logan and produced by Graham King and the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain. The film has been in development since at least 2019 but is moving into high gear now that a director is attached. Michael will span from Jackson’s early success (and trauma) in the Jackson 5 to his sedative-induced death. There will be musical set pieces galore, but Deadline adds that the film will “deal squarely with the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years.”
It will mark something of a return to the pop sphere for the director, who got his start making music videos for people like Prince and Toni Braxton. “I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work — the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV,” Fuqua said of Jackson. “His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.” The film will be the latest piece of postmortem Jacksoniana, which includes the concert doc This Is It, the musical MJ, and the true-crime documentary Leaving Neverland.
This post has been updated.