The Michael Jackson biopic starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson will be released on 25 April 2025.
The pop superstar is recognised as one of the best and most influential artists of all time, but his entire life has been marred by controversy. Over the past decade, several men have come forward with allegations that Jackson sexually assaulted them as boys.
In January of 2023, it was confirmed that Training Day director Antoine Fuqua will helm the movie, titled Michael.
"The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am," said Fuqua.
"For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work - the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible."
The aforementioned allegations led many to believe that a tell-all biopic might not happen, but a Lionsgate press release confirmed that the movie will address "all aspects" of Jackson's life.
Jaafar a dead ringer for his uncle
Fuqua previously commented on the resemblance between Jaafar and his Uncle Michael.
"We're in prep except for the strike," Fuqua responded to Yahoo when asked about the status of the biopic, which will be titled Michael.
"Michael was supposed to start shooting this year. Michael's nephew Jaafar is playing him — it's uncanny how he's so much like Michael, it's actually scary."
Shortly after he was announced as playing Michael, Jaafar took to Instagram to comment on the opportunity, as well as to upload a picture of himself dancing in rehearsal in MJ's signature pose.
Production is back under way now the writer and actor strikes in Hollywood are over.
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