Jaafar Jackson Is Identical to Uncle Michael Jackson in New Biopic Photo

The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic is officially in production, and in a new photo shared by the film’s director, the late icon’s nephew Jaafar Jackson completely transforms into the “Billie Jean” superstar.

“Photograph by the renowned photographer Kevin Mazur, who documented Michael’s final rehearsal, and is now the first to photograph Jaafar in character as Michael,” Antoine Fuqua captioned a photo of Jaafar, in which he embodies Michael’s characteristic look while performing onstage. See the post here.

The film will take on the musician’s life and career and will be produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) and John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Titled Michael, the forthcoming biopic will be directed by Fuqua, the filmmaker behind 2001’s Oscar-winning Training Day and 2022’s Will Smith-starring Emancipation.

“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael Jackson, previously said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

Jaafar stars in the film alongside Nia Long, set to play Katherine Jackson, and Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, who is set to play the controversial Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson. Nine-year-old actor Juliano Krue Valdi will portray Michael during his formative years in the Jackson 5.

The film is currently slated for release in April 2025.