Exciting news for Michael Jackson fans! More stars have been added to the cast of the highly anticipated biopic Michael. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, will focus on the highs and lows of Jackson’s life as he rose to become the King of Pop. From his humble beginnings in Jackson 5 to his megawatt solo artist, we’ll see his life played out through our favorite songs and dance moves from the late pop star.
Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, will play adult Michael in honor of his uncle. The film will highlight key figures in Michael’s life, including Motown founder Berry Gordy, legendary singer Diana Ross, The Pips singer Gladys Knight, songwriter Quincy Jones, security guard Bill Bray, and more.
Check out who’s playing who in Michael below. The film will premiere in theaters on April 18, 2025.
Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson)
Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson, will debut as an actor playing Michael. He’s a spitting image of his late uncle and enjoys filling in his shoes by showcasing his mannerisms, looks, and clothing. At 26 years old, Jaafar is all set to carry forward Jackson’s legacy.
Nia Long (Katherine Jackson)
Nia Long has been cast to play Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother and the head of the Jackson family. the well-known actress has starred in various films and TV shows, including Peacock’s The Best Man: The Final Chapters and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her most notable works include Love Jones, Boyz n The Hood, Big Momma’s House, Are We There Yet? and Soul Food.
Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson)
Colman Domingo will play Michael’s father and manager, Joe Jackson. Prior to joining the star-studded cast, the celebrated actor played numerous roles in the past year, including civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in Rustin, which earned him a 2024 Oscar nomination, a local farmer Albert “Mister” Johnson in The Color Purple and many more.
Laura Harrier (Suzanne de Passe)
Laura Harrier will play Suzanne de Passe, the pioneering music executive who convinced Motown Records founder Berry Gordy to sign the Jackson 5. Harrier has been seen in BlacKkKlansman, White Men Can’t Jump, Entergalactic, Hollywood and more.
Larenz Tate (Berry Gordy)
Stepping into the role of Berry Gordy, Larenz Tate will play the visionary behind Motown Records. You may recognize Tate from his memorable performance as Darius Lovehall in Love Jones, where he starred alongside Nia Long. This is not Tate’s first role in a biopic; he also played record producer Quincy Jones in Ray. He is also known for his roles in films such as Menace II Society, Girls Trip, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Waist Deep and many others.
Kat Graham (Diana Ross)
Kat Graham is stepping into the heels and sequins of the legendary icon Diana Ross, the former lead singer of the Motown group, The Supremes. Graham has showcased her acting skills in movies such as Honey 2 and All Eyez On Me, as well as TV series like The Vampire Diaries. She will take on the challenge of portraying one of the greatest singers in history.
Jessica Sula (La Toya Jackson)
Jessica Sula has been cast to play La Toya Jackson, Michael’s older sister. La Toya is the middle child and the fifth of the Jackson family. Sula is known for her roles in several TV shows and movies, such as Recovery Road, Split and the British series Skins, where she played Grace Blood.
Liv Symone (Gladys Knight)
Liv Symone has been cast as Grammy-winning singer Gladys Knight. The music artist will showcase her electrifying vocal skills as she performs solo and with the Pips. Symone is best known for her role as Iesha in Power Book III: Raising Kanan; this film marks her feature film debut. She previously starred in Doing It Wrong and can currently be seen in Diarra from Detroit.
Kendrick Sampson (Quincy Jones)
Kendrick Sampson steps in as Quincy Jones, the 28-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter, composer and producer. If you’re a fan of Issa Rae’s HBO show Insecure, you may recognize Sampson from his role as Nathan. He has also appeared in recurring roles in various TV shows and movies, such as How to Get Away with Murder, Something From Tiffany’s, Fashionably Yours, Miss Juneteenth and more.
KeiLyn Durrel Jones (Bill Bray)
Playing Bill Bray, the Jackson 5 security guard and trusted friend who has worked exclusively with Michael for over three years, KeiLyn Durrel Jones joins the cast. This will be Jones’ first film; he recently starred in the Hulu series How to Die Alone.
Kevin Shinick (Dick Clark)
Kevin Shinick has been cast to play the role of Dick Clark, host of American Bandstand. It’s the show where the Jackson 5 made their legendary early appearance, contributing to their rise to fame. Shinick is an Emmy Award-winning writer and a former host of the PBS series Where In Time Is Carmen Sandiego? He has also produced and starred in Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken and Cartoon Network’s series MAD.
Juliano Valdi (Young Michael Jackson)
Juliano Valdi, who also starred in Bite Size Halloween and Face’s Music Party, has been cast as young Michael in his first feature film.
Jamal R. Henderson (Jermaine Jackson)
Jamal R. Henderson will portray Jermaine Jackson, the fourth child of the Jackson family. An accomplished producer, Jackson recently showcased his acting skills in BET’s feature film South Central Love and Netflix’s Mindhunter.
Tre Horton (Marlon Jackson)
Tre Horton makes his film debut playing Marlon Jackson, the sixth child of the Jackson family. Horton has previously starred in short films and TV series such as 1980 and My Enemy Alpha.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (Young Marlon Jackson)
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter has been cast to play the role of young Marlon Jackson. He is an experienced actor who has previously starred in The Lion King on Broadway and also played a young Marlon in MJ: The Musical.
Rhyan Hill (Tito Jackson)
Rhyan Hill will portray Tito Jackson in the upcoming biopic and showcase his Hollywood singing and dancing skills in the film. Hill has previously appeared in Lovecraft Country, Grey’s Anatomy and The Michael Blackson Show.
Judah Edwards (Young Tito Jackson)
Judah Edwards has been cast as young Tito Jackson. Edwards is a talented child actor who starred in the Hulu series Saint X and lent his voice to the animated shows Blaze and the Monster Machines and Dee & Friends in Oz.
Joseph David-Jones (Jackie Jackson)
Joseph David-Jones is set to play Jackie Jackson, the second child of the Jackson family. Jones is known for his appearances in several shows, including The CW’s Arrow and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, as well as 4400.
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (Young Jackie Jackson)
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, known for his roles in Barry, David Makes Man, and Magic Camp, will play young Jackie Jackson in the upcoming biopic. This is not his first biopic; he previously starred in Netflix’s Barry, which focused on former President Barack Obama’s early political career. He currently stars as young Simba in The Lion King on Broadway.
