The prolific life and career of Michael Jackson will be hitting the big screen in 2025 thanks to a new biopic. Back in 2023, Lionsgate announced that a biopic about the King of Pop – simply titled Michael – was in the works. Throughout 2023, news of the biopic was kept under wraps. But as of February, 2024, fans received their first official glimpse at Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle Michael.
Here’s everything we know so far.
Who is in the cast of the Michael Jackson biopic?
Michael will be portrayed by his 27-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson who is the son of Jermaine Jackson. Though there was a worldwide casting search for who would play Michael, filmmakers ultimately decided to cast Jaafar for the role.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” the biopic’s director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement to Variety. “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
As well as portraying the mega success of his Thriller years, the biopic will begin looking at Michael’s upbringing and childhood fame with The Jackson 5. It was announced in January 2024 that 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will portray young Michael.
Michael’s parents will also heavily feature in the upcoming film. Portraying Joe Jackson is Colman Domingo and portraying the Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson will be Nia Long.
When will the biopic be released?
The film is set to hit theatres worldwide on April 18, 2025.
What will the Michael Jackson biopic be about?
Whilst not a whole lot is known about what the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic will feature, a synopsis of the film says: “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”
“The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale – from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances,” the statement continues. “As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
What has Michael Jackson’s family said about the film?
It appears that Michael Jackson’s estate is heavily involved with the biopic but the biggest ‘seal of approval’ so far comes from the Jackson matriarch herself.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said Katherine Jackson to The Hollywood Reporter.
