The first look at the impending Michael Jackson biography has been released, and it portrays one of the singer’s most famous ensembles, Variety reports.
Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, plays the King of Pop in the biopic ‘Michael’. The film is currently in production and is scheduled to open in theatres on April 18, 2025.
In the first look photo, Jaafar Jackson imitated his uncle’s iconic ‘Man in the Mirror’ outfit from his ‘Dangerous’ tour in 1992–93. According to Variety, the shot was captured by photographer Kevin Mazur, who has photographed Jackson throughout his career, including his ‘This Is It’ rehearsals.
The journey has begun….#MichaelMovie pic.twitter.com/7HB7G0sJ09
— Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) February 13, 2024
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, and every dance move is Michael,” said producer Graham King in a statement.
“He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
“The movie will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” according to the logline.
“The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified 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.”
Colman Domingo, an Oscar nominee, portrays father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, Juliano Krue Valdi as youngster Michael, and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.
Director Antoine Fuqua was cited in Variety, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through magically. You have to experience it to believe it.”
King, Branca, and John McClain, co-executives of the Michael Jackson estate, created ‘Michael. Lionsgate will distribute the film domestically, while Universal Pictures International will handle all territories except Japan, which Lionsgate will oversee.
