Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has been cast in the highly anticipated biopic Michael. Jafaar is set to play the role of his late uncle.
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On Jan. 11, it was announced that Michael Jackson’s biopic, titled Michael, is set to release on April 18, 2025. The film will be directed by Antoine Fuqua and Michael’s nephew, Jaafar would play the role of his iconic uncle. Jaafar is the son of Michael’s brother, Jermaine Jackson.
The film, scripted by John Logan and produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King, will offer a comprehensive look at the man behind the music, showcasing his human side and unparalleled artistry. Co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain, also serve as producers, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the film.
Users on Twitter (X) reacted to the movie officially making the release date public. One user named @KellyBill14 commented:
“This movie will hold the top spot for a long time. It will generate millions on premier night. No one will be able to top this. Long live the king of pop,” and one other user named @MoonwalkerBen9 commented “Welp imma get my Mj outfit ready.”
Fuqua couldn’t help but express his astonishment at the talent Jaafar possesses, stating:
“It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael … sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.”
In January 2023, the 27-year-old Jaafar landed the title role. The singer and songwriter has been singing and dancing since age 12 and showcased himself singing tunes from Sam Cooke to Marvin Gaye, along with originals on his social media.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (1/12/23 at 3:20 pm)
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jafaar Jackson was cast to play his uncle in a new film. It begs the question, are there relatives of other late musical icons that could believably play them in a film?
Jafaar Jackson, the nephew of the late Michael Jackson, has been cast to play his legendary uncle in a biopic titled Michael. The project is being helmed by Training Day and Emancipation Director Antoine Fuqua.
I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.
Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup
— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023
This casting choice certainly has precedence as C. J. Wallace, the son of late East Coast rapper Biggie Smalls, portrayed a young B.I.G in the 2007 drama Notorious.
This raises the question: What other lesser-known relatives of late musical icons can play them in a film?
Isaac Hayes III As Issac Hayes
As the son of the late soul singer, casting Issac Hayes III to play his father is a no-brainer. He has a musical background from serving as a record producer for Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
In addition, he is also a voice actor on episodes of the Adult Swim comedies Aqua Teen, Hunger Force, and Squidbillies so he should be able to play the role perfectly.
Nasaan Holton As Proof
Nassan Holton, son of the late Detroit rapper Proof, is another inspired casting choice. Holton has followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming an established rapper and is currently signed with DATYRP Records.
If further proof was needed, he also edits and directs most of his music videos and has received a co-sign from Eminem, who was in D-12 with his father.
DJ Jam Master J’Son As DJ Jam Master Jay
As can be surmised by his stage name, Jam Master J’Son is the son of late Run DMC member Jam Master Jay. Similarly to Nasaan, J’Son also took after his dad and worked as a disk jockey while he was enrolled in college.
After a countrywide tour deejaying with artist Mann, both J’Son and his younger brother became the official DJs for Run DMC at the Budweiser Made in America Festival, which was the first live performance by the surviving members of the influential hip-hop group Rev Run and Darryl McDaniels in more than a decade.
Reigndrop Lopes As Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes
One of the most well-regarded girl groups within the last 10-20 years is TLC. The four-time Grammy Award-winning Atlanta-based trio consists of Rozanda “Chili” Thomas, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, and formerly, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
While the group was the subject of CrazySexyCool– a made-for-television movie starring Keke Palmer, Reigndrop has gone on record stating that the film was made without consulting or receiving input from her family.
As a way to honor the family’s memory of Left Eye and show a more intimate portrayal of her, this would be a good move. In an Instagram live, Reigndrop celebrated what would have been Lisa’s 49th birthday, featuring her rapping along to her sister’s lines in a manner many viewers felt channeled her energy.
Gekyume Onfroy As XXXTentacion
Given that Gekyume Onfroy is only four years old, this is purely hypothetical if he does decide to work in the hip-hop scene like his late father. If a biopic on XXXTentacion is made sooner rather than later, perhaps pulling a Notorious and casting him as a young depiction of him could work as well.
An old video uploaded on Instagram shows he was in a studio laying down what some would consider the start of a music career.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBSUXmwjGeG/?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=
In hip-hop, several beloved families get to share memories of their precious time with their own families with fans. Read on to see candid moments with celebrities including Offset and Cardi B.
Originally Written By: Michael Omoruan (1/31/23 at 6:03 pm)
