Jaafar Jackson has an ‘uncanny’ resemblance to his late uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic centered around the King of Pop himself.
The 27-year-old budding star was revealed to have been cast as the Thriller hitmaker earlier this year in January. However, production for the film has been paused due to the current SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike in Hollywood.
The director of the anticipated project, Antoine Fuqua, recently opened up about having the late singer’s nephew take on the leading role in the film.
‘It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael,’ the filmmaker gushed to Entertainment Weekly in an article published on Thursday. ‘Sounds like him, dances like him, sings.’
He continued by admitting, ‘It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.’
Resemblance: Jaafar Jackson, 27, has an ‘uncanny’ resemblance to his late uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic centered around the King of Pop himself; seen in 2014 in Beverly Hills
‘Uncanny’: ‘It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael,’ the filmmaker gushed to Entertainment Weekly, adding, ‘Sounds like him, dances like him, sings’
Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment, and has been both singing and dancing since he was 12-years-old.
He is also the son of Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and Jermaine Jackson – the brother of Michael who was also a member of The Jackson 5.
The movie, which is simply titled Michael, will follow the iconic performer’s life and story ‘as we know it,’ Antoine further expressed to the outlet.
The premise will not only follow his long-lasting musical career and iconic performances, but other aspects of his life, such as facing child abuse allegations in the 90s as well as his tragic death in 2009 at the age of 50 due to a drug overdose.
In regards to his ‘approach’ to the biopic, Fuqua stated, ‘Just to tell the facts as we know it, about the artist, about the man, about the human being. You know, the good, bad, and the ugly.’
In January, Jaafar was revealed to have been cast as the leading role of Michael in the biopic, per Deadline, and at the time, jumped to his social media pages to express his excitement.
He shared a black and white image of himself wearing a similar outfit Jackson had worn in the past while striking a dance pose.
‘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,’ he penned in the caption.
Big news: In January, Jaafar was revealed to have been cast as the leading role of Michael in the biopic, and at the time, jumped to his social media pages to express his excitement
Anticipated: The movie, which is simply titled Michael, will follow the iconic performer’s life and story ‘as we know it,’ Antoine further expressed to the outlet; Jafaar seen with La Toya Jackson (left) in 2019
Approach: In regards to his ‘approach’ to the biopic, Fuqua stated, ‘Just to tell the facts as we know it, about the artist, about the man, about the human being. You know, the good, bad, and the ugly’; star seen in 2000 in Monte Carlo
That same month, Antoine was confirmed to have been given the big role as director on the film. He is known for working on other projects such as The Equalizer, The Terminal List, and also Southpaw.
Fuqua is also working alongside Hollywood producer, Graham King, who has been involved with films including The Aviator, Bohemian Rhapsody, as well as The Departed.
In a statement, the filmmaker expressed his thrill to be a part of the project. ‘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.’
‘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.’
He added, ‘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.’
Graham also had the chance to share his excitement as well in a statement of his own, per Deadline.
‘I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and I’m humbled to bring their legacy to the big screen. Sitting at Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I could never have imagined that nearly 38 years later I would get the privilege to be a part of this film.’
Michael’s mother, Katherine, also gave her blessing to the creation of the biopic that will depict her late son’s life.
‘Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of cinema. As a family, we are honored to have our life story come alive on the big screen.’
In production: The upcoming Lionsgate film – which is being made with the help of Jackson’s estate – does not have a set premiere date; seen in 1988 in New Jersey
The upcoming Lionsgate film – which is being made with the help of Jackson’s estate – does not have a set premiere date. Other cast members have also yet to be announced.
Michael rose to fame being a part of The Jackson 5 and had a successful solo career with hits such as Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal and Beat It.
He received an assortment of awards during his career, such as 15 Grammys. The star was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.
Jackson also welcomed three children: daughter Paris, 25, as well as sons Prince, 26, and Bigi, 21 (also known as Blanket).
