When your last name is Jackson, expectations come moonwalking in before you even take your first step. But Jaafar Jackson — the 29-year-old nephew of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson — isn’t just inheriting a name; he’s embodying a legacy that shaped the sound of modern music. With the first trailer for the upcoming biopic Michael finally released, Jaafar has become one of the most talked-about rising stars in Hollywood, and for good reason.
From Jackson Family Living Rooms to Hollywood Studios: The Early Life of Jaafar Jackson
Born on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, Jaafar Jackson grew up surrounded by music royalty. The son of Jermaine Jackson, one of the founding members of The Jackson 5, and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, Jaafar’s childhood wasn’t like that of the average LA kid. His family home echoed with timeless Motown hits, rhythmic rehearsals, and stories from the golden age of pop. Yet, while the world saw the Jacksons as legends, Jaafar saw them as family — mentors, role models, and living reminders of what passion and discipline could create.
Unlike many celebrity offspring, Jaafar didn’t rush into the spotlight. He started singing and dancing at the age of 12, crafting his artistry with quiet confidence rather than headline-chasing. Before long, he began performing covers of classics by Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke — a nod to the soulful roots that once inspired his uncle Michael. His debut single, Got Me Singing, released in 2019, showcased his honeyed vocals and a groove reminiscent of 80s pop with a modern twist — proving talent really does run deep in the Jackson DNA.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Him: Jaafar Jackson Cast as Michael Jackson in Michael
The buzz surrounding Jaafar skyrocketed when director Antoine Fuqua announced him as the lead in Michael, the official biopic chronicling the life and legacy of the late icon. The film, set for release on April 24, 2026, has already been dubbed one of the most anticipated music biopics of the decade. Jaafar isn’t just playing Michael Jackson — he’s reliving one of the most complex, adored, and scrutinized lives in entertainment history.
The trailer gives fans goosebumps. It opens with Jaafar as Michael, rehearsing in the studio with Quincy Jones — played by Insecure star Kendrick Sampson. The chemistry feels electric. From the infectious beats of Thriller to the rebellious rhythm of Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, the trailer promises a cinematic celebration of Michael’s unmatched artistry, his creative genius, and his rise from child prodigy to global phenomenon.
Director Antoine Fuqua, known for Training Day and The Equalizer, called Jaafar’s transformation “uncanny.” He shared in an interview, “Jaafar doesn’t just act like Michael — he channels him. The way he moves, the tone of his voice, it’s almost eerie.” For a filmmaker tasked with bringing such a massive story to life, Fuqua’s confidence in Jaafar speaks volumes.
Behind The Scenes: A $155 Million Production and an All-Star Cast
Michael isn’t just another Hollywood musical — it’s a major cinematic event. With a reported budget of $155 million, the film spares no expense in recreating the glitz and grit of Michael’s world. The production brings together a star-studded ensemble cast: Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. Even Top Gun: Maverick’s Miles Teller joins the lineup as John Branca, Michael’s longtime attorney.
The film’s producer, Graham King — the powerhouse behind Bohemian Rhapsody — brings with him a proven track record of turning musical legends into cinematic gold. His past work earned multiple Oscars, and many industry insiders are already predicting Michael could follow a similar path come awards season.
John Logan, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind Gladiator and Skyfall, penned the script. Logan’s touch ensures that Michael goes beyond fan service, offering both the grandeur of performance and the emotional depth of a man navigating fame, scrutiny, and personal demons.
The Elephant in the Room: Addressing the Controversies
No conversation about Michael Jackson’s story is complete without acknowledging the controversies that surrounded him. And the upcoming biopic hasn’t escaped its share of pre-release scrutiny. Ever since the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland revisited long-standing abuse allegations, any depiction of Michael has sparked divided opinions.
Documentary filmmaker Dan Reed, who directed Leaving Neverland, reportedly reviewed an early draft of the biopic’s script and criticized it as “startlingly disingenuous,” claiming it dismissed the accusers’ credibility. On the other side, the Jackson family maintains that the film will offer a more balanced narrative, highlighting both Michael’s humanity and his artistic revolution.
Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, also weighed in on social media, clarifying that she had “zero percent involvement” in the film’s creative process. She mentioned having shared her personal concerns about certain inaccuracies and scenes that didn’t “sit right” with her.
It’s a reminder that while Michael aims to honor the man behind the music, it also treads on delicate ground. For many fans, this film isn’t just about revisiting the past — it’s about redefining how the King of Pop is remembered in today’s culture.
Why This Biopic Feels Different from Every Other Music Movie
Hollywood has given us its fair share of musical biopics in recent years — from Rocketman to Elvis — but Michael is shaping up to be unlike any of them. The emotional weight of the story, combined with Jaafar’s real-life connection to his uncle, adds a layer of authenticity that no casting decision could replicate. Watching Jaafar step into Michael’s iconic loafers isn’t just movie magic — it’s a family legacy coming full circle.
The film also arrives at a time when Gen Z and millennials are rediscovering Michael Jackson through TikTok remixes, AI-generated tracks, and fashion revivals. To many younger viewers, Michael may serve as both an introduction and a reawakening — a bridge between the golden era of pop and today’s hyper-digital music landscape.
A Unique Angle: The Film as a Reflection of Legacy and Reinvention
What makes this project even more fascinating is its potential to redefine how legacy works in modern entertainment. In a world obsessed with “nepo babies” and second-generation fame, Jaafar Jackson is rewriting the narrative. He isn’t coasting on his last name — he’s working to earn it on screen. And in doing so, he’s reminding audiences that sometimes legacy isn’t a shadow to escape from, but a light to carry forward.
Suppose Bohemian Rhapsody celebrated rebellion and Elvis explored the loneliness of stardom. In that case, Michael might become the story of endurance — how art outlives controversy, and how family can be both a burden and a blessing.
Final Thoughts: Why Everyone Will Be Talking About Michael
As the April 2026 release date draws closer, Michael is more than a film — it’s a cultural moment in the making. For older fans, it’s nostalgia reimagined; for younger ones, it’s an education in greatness. And at the center of it all is Jaafar Jackson — a young artist standing at the intersection of history and destiny.
In an era dominated by remakes and reboots, Michael has the chance to remind the world that some stories don’t need reinventing — they just need retelling by the right voice. And in Jaafar’s case, that voice sounds a lot like the one that changed music forever.