Michael Jackson biopic casts lead — and it’s the King of Pop’s nephew – National | 24CA News

Who higher to fill Michael Jackson‘s moonwalking shoes than another member of the Jackson family?

Canadian-American entertainment company Lionsgate announced on Monday that Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will star within the upcoming biopic Michael within the titular function.

The movie is to be directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, who produced the 2018 Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

On Twitter, Jaafar — who’s the second-youngest son of Jackson’s older brother and Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson — stated he’s “humbled and honored” to play his uncle within the movie.

“To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” he wrote.

Michael will discover the King of Pop’s rise to fame and controversial legacy, “including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time,” in keeping with a press release from the studio.

Jaafar was chosen for the function after a worldwide casting search. King instructed Variety that “it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”

“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” King stated. “I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”

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Jackson’s mom, Katherine Jackson, stated Jaafar “embodies my son.”

“It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” she stated.

Michael will likely be Jaafar’s first main function in a movie. He has launched music previously and has a strikingly comparable excessive tenor to his uncle. Take a hear, under:

Michael will likely be created in cooperation with Jackson’s property. Though many have speculated how the movie will painting Jackson’s life, particularly allegations of kid sexual abuse through the singer’s life and after his dying, the studio instructed Deadline Michael is not going to shrink back from the singer’s controversies.

Jackson at all times maintained his innocence of any and all abuse allegations and was discovered not responsible of kid molestation in 2005.

Michael doesn’t but have an official launch date. Shooting for the biopic will reportedly begin this 12 months.

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