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| Jaafar Jackson appears on a panel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on July 12, 2014, left, and Michael Jackson appears at the American Cinema Award gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 9, 1987. Jaafar, who is Michael Jackson's 26-year-old nephew, will play the King of Pop in a planned biopic to be directed by Antoine Fuqua. (The Associated Press) |
Lionsgate announced Jackson's casting Monday for the film
being produced by Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King. Jackson
is the second-youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael's brother. He's put out
music of his own; in 2019, he released his debut single, Got Me Singing.
Michael will be Jackson's acting debut.
"I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by
the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,"
said King in a statement. "It was something so powerful that even after
conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take
on this role."
On Instagram, Fuqua shared a black-and-white photograph of
Jackson in character. Fuqua added in a statement that Jackson "has a
natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the
camera."
On Twitter, Jackson said he's "humbled and honored to
bring my Uncle Michael's story to life."
Michael will be an authorized portrait of the pop star, who
died in 2009.
Jackson's legacy has been heavily scrutinized since his
death, particularly upon the release of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland
in which two men alleged that the singer sexually abused them when they were
children. A Los Angeles judge has since dismissed separate lawsuits brought
forward by each of the men.
The biopic, scripted by Gladiator and The Aviator
screenwriter John Logan, is being produced with the cooperation of the singer's
estate.
"Jaafar embodies my son," Katherine Jackson said
in a statement. "It's so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy
of entertainers and performers."
Michael is to begin shooting this year
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