Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have released a Michael first-look image that sees Jaafar Jackson become the King of Pop.
The image, captured by photographer Kevin Mazur, sees Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar play the iconic artist in the upcoming biopic that’s directed by Antoine Fuqua. Michael is currently scheduled to be released in 2025.
View the Michael image, courtesy of Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, below:
“When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson,” said Mazur. “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said Graham King, who is producing the movie alongside John Branca and John McClain. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Who else stars in Michael?
Michael, which is currently in production, also stars Juliano Krue Valdi, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller. The script comes from John Logan.
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop,” a description for the movie reads. “The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Michael releases in the United States on April 18, 2025.
