Who is Jaafar Jackson, the spitting image of Michael Jackson in the new biopic? | WATCH TRAILER

The much-awaited first teaser of ‘Michael’, the biopic chronicling the life of pop legend Michael Jackson, has finally been released. Dropped on November 6, the teaser instantly set social media abuzz with one burning question – who is the actor playing the King of Pop, and why does he look so strikingly similar to him?

The answer lies within the Jackson family itself. The actor is none other than Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson.

A musical legacy continued

Jaafar Jackson, 29, is the son of Jermaine Jackson – Michael’s older brother and a founding member of The Jackson 5 – and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. Born in July 1996 in Los Angeles, Jaafar grew up surrounded by music royalty but initially chose a different path. He took up golf as a teenager before realising his heart lay in music. By 12, he had started singing and dancing, following the family’s rhythm.

A skilled pianist and performer, Jaafar made his debut as a singer in 2019 with the single ‘Got Me Singing’. He also featured in ‘The Jacksons: Next Generation’ and has performed covers of classic hits by Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye.

Jaafar’s father and uncles – Jackie, Marlon, Tito, Michael, and Randy Jackson – made up The Jackson 5, while his aunts Janet, La Toya, and Rebbie Jackson have all pursued successful music careers of their own.

Remembering his uncle Michael

Jaafar shared a close relationship with his late uncle, cherishing fond childhood memories spent at Neverland Ranch. “I recall being at Neverland, playing hide and seek, going on rides, watching movies, and just having a great time,” he told the South China Morning Post.

He revealed that during Michael’s superstardom, he was too young to discuss music with him – something he regrets now that he has followed in his footsteps. “I would have asked him many questions about the career I have chosen for myself,” he told Get Balanced, describing his uncle’s passing in 2009 as devastating. “It was very tough. I can’t even put my mind back to how it felt that day.”

Bringing Michael Jackson to life

Jaafar makes his acting debut in ‘Michael’, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Skyfall’ screenwriter John Logan. The film promises to portray both the glamour and the challenges of the singer’s life – from his meteoric rise as the frontman of The Jackson 5 to becoming one of the most influential entertainers in history.

The teaser showcases Jaafar performing some of his uncle’s most iconic moments – recreating music videos for ‘Thriller’ and ‘Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough’ – and recording in a studio alongside Kendrick Sampson, who portrays legendary producer Quincy Jones.

Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, personally endorsed Jaafar’s casting, saying he “embodies” her son.

An intimate cinematic journey

According to the film’s official synopsis, “MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.” It will follow Jackson’s journey “beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.”

The teaser also features actor Kendrick Sampson delivering the line, “I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made, the songs are ready. Let’s take it from the top. … This is your story,” as flashes of Jackson’s career unfold.

The biopic’s ensemble cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe, Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.

The King of Pop’s enduring legacy

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, as the eighth of ten children to Joe and Katherine Jackson. His rise began as the prodigious lead singer of The Jackson 5, and his unparalleled artistry eventually made him a global phenomenon.

He passed away on June 25, 2009, from an overdose of propofol and sedatives administered by his personal physician, who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Even today, Jackson’s influence on music, dance, and pop culture remains unmatched. His mother, Katherine, now 95, continues to be regarded as the matriarch who held the Jackson family together.

A story that comes full circle

With Jaafar Jackson stepping into his uncle’s shoes, ‘Michael’ represents both a cinematic tribute and a generational continuation of the Jackson legacy.

The film, co-produced by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures, will release globally on April 24, 2026.