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Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to star in new biopic from Bohemian Rhapsody producers
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Michael Jackson's 26-year old nephew will play the King of Pop in a new biopic, it's been announced.
Simply tiltled Michael, the new film comes from the mind of the producers behind the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which saw Rami Malek win an Academy Award for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury.
Yesterday, it was announced that Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael's brother Jermaine, had won the titular role, following a worldwide search.
In a statement released across the actor's social media, Jaafar Jackson said that he was "humbled and honoured" to get the opportunity to tell his uncle's story on the silver screen, accompanied by a black-and-white image of him striking a very recogniseable pose to all Jackson fans.
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.
— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023
Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup
MORE: Michael Jackson's Official Charts history in full
"To all the fans around the world," Jackson continued, "I'll see you soon."
Katherina Jackson, the mother of both Michael and Jermaine, said in a statement: "Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers." The biopic is being supported by the Jackson family.
Michael is set to be helmed by Antoine Fuqua and a script by John Logan, best known for penning the screenplays to Gladiator and the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre.
The film is set to tell the story of Jackson's journey from burgeoning child star as a member of the Jackson 5 to one of the biggest and most successful pop stars of all time, thanks to blockbuster albums like Thriller and Bad, which still rank as two of the best-selling albums of all time worldwide.
Production on Michael is set to start later this year, which means we could see the film in cinemas either in 2024 or beyond.
This follows a spate of similar biopics that have been released in recent years; the aforementioned Bohemian Rhapsody, the Elton John fantasy-biopic Rocketman starring Taron Edgerton and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, starring Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston.
Michael enters production the same time as a much-publicised Amy Winehouse biopic, also supported by the prolific singer's family, which stars Industry's Marisa Abela as the tragic British icon, being directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Michael Jacksons scored seven UK Number 1 singles and 10 UK Number 1 albums. He died in 2009, aged 50, during production for a series of UK comeback shows which were supposed to rehabilitate his image following years of personal and legal controversies.
Earth Song, a track from Jackson's 1995 album HIStory, ranks as one of the best-selling singles of all time on the Official Singles Chart.
Article Image: Shutterstock
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Sunshine Gal
i saw that! couldn't be more happier and excited for jaafar!! on twitter so many of the jackson family feel the same way. and i feel *hopefully!* this biopic will portray mj accurately & with diginity & respect.
also taj jackson, mj's nephew via brother tito, will be releasing his long awaited documentary on his uncle. he's been working on this doc. series for a number of years and will shed a lot of light on the 2 accusers esp. wade robson ;). wade was a long time friend of the jackson family *mj's older nieces & nephews* and even dated 2 of mj's nieces over the years.