Michael Jackson Biopic Star Jaafar Jackson Signs With CAA

Jaafar Jackson, who will portray his late uncle Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic “Michael,” has signed with CAA for representation.

Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of the King of Pop. He makes his acting debut in the Antoine Fuqua-directed, GK Films-produced movie, which is set for worldwide release on April 18, 2025. “Michael” is also produced by John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Lionsgate is distributing the film in the U.S. and Japan, while Universal Pictures has rights for all offshore territories.

In April, Lionsgate dazzled the CinemaCon crowd by sharing a first look at the highly anticipated film, revealing the scope of its examination of the musician’s life, as Jaafar portrays the private man behind the moonwalk. Fans had already gotten a peek at his physical transformation when the studio released an image of Jaafar in costume, recreating his uncle’s iconic “Man in the Mirror” look from his Dangerous Tour from 1992-93. But the sweeping footage took things one step further — beginning as hysterical fans scream along to Jackson as he owns the stage, flashing between performances of his biggest hits like “Man in the Mirror” and “Thriller.” The movie features over 30 songs and recreates several performances of them, starting with the Jackson 5’s classic rendition of “ABC” on “American Bandstand.”

While Jaafar takes the lead in the film, 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will portray a young Michael from his early days in the Jackson 5. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo and Nia Long play the superstar’s parents star Joe and Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller plays Branca, who was Michael’s attorney and advisor. Eight actors portray Michael’s siblings over two time periods.

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The ensemble also features Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy; Kat Graham as Diana Ross; Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe; Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson; Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark; KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray; and Kendrick Sampson as industry icon Quincy Jones, who first met Michael when he was just 12 years old.

Those preteen years have proven pivotal for the Jackson family. Despite being part of such a rich musical family legacy, Jaafar didn’t decide to pursue a career in music until he was 12 years old. Then he began to play piano and sing in earnest. He released his debut single “Got Me Singing” in 2019. Now 28, he is set to make his big screen debut.

In addition to CAA, Jackson continues to be represented by David Weber and Robert Offer at Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

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Martina Birk

Update: 2024-07-23

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