Credit: Fandago.
Right off the bat, the trailer introduces Jaafar Jackson stepping into his uncle’s shoes—literally and figuratively. He’s decked out in the iconic red leather jacket and skeletal makeup from “Thriller”, clearly recreating that legendary music video.
We also see the early Jackson 5 era, as Michael’s childhood, talent‑discovery and his ascent are all referenced.
On the side of production details: The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by John Logan, produced by Graham King, and features a cast including Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Miles Teller.
Importantly, the trailer teases the man behind the superstar: moments off‑stage, internal drives, tension, ambition. As one line in the trailer says: “You never were like anyone else.”
What the filmmakers say
The film is being made in cooperation with the Michael Jackson estate, which has granted full access to his music catalog. This means the biopic will include many of his most iconic hits, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Smooth Criminal.”
Director Antoine Fuqua said, “Michael Jackson was an incredible force. What intrigued me most was how complex he was—not just the music, but the man. I wanted to make a film that was honest, bold, and respectful.”
Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael’s nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, underwent extensive training to embody his uncle’s voice, movement, and stage presence. He said in a press statement: “It’s an honor to bring my uncle’s story to life. I’m humbled by the responsibility and excited to share this journey with the world.”
Release and expectations
Michael is set to release globally on April 18, 2025. With a full theatrical run planned and a major marketing campaign underway, it’s expected to be one of the biggest biopics of the decade.
The film arrives during a strong wave of music biopics, following the success of Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis, and Rocketman. However, Michael Jackson’s story comes with far more complexity and scrutiny than most. The pressure to get it right—both artistically and ethically—is immense.
Who is Jaafar Jackson?
Jaafar Jackson, born on July 25, 1996, is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of Michael Jackson. Though not a household name before now, Jaafar has been immersed in the Jackson family’s world of music and performance from a young age. His selection to play Michael in the upcoming biopic wasn’t just a casting decision—it was the result of a two-year global search.
Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King said they were blown away by how naturally Jaafar embodied Michael’s presence. From the way he walks to the way he delivers each note, Jaafar channels the King of Pop with eerie precision. Fuqua said, “It’s more than just resemblance—it’s the energy, the nuance, the emotion. Jaafar brings Michael’s spirit to life.”
This is Jaafar’s first major film role, and it’s a massive one. He’s undergone intense training in singing, dancing, and acting to authentically capture Michael’s essence across different eras—from the Jackson 5 days to the peak of his solo superstardom.
Behind the scenes, Jaafar has the support of the Jackson family, and the film has full access to Michael’s catalog, meaning he’ll be performing legendary hits like Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, and Man in the Mirror. Early footage and stills show Jaafar in full costume, nailing signature moves like the moonwalk, and even recreating iconic music video scenes with remarkable accuracy.
But taking on this role comes with pressure. Not only is Jaafar representing one of the most iconic entertainers of all time, but he’s also doing it as a family member, which raises expectations even higher. Some have praised the authenticity his casting brings, while others question whether a relative can portray such a complex figure with full objectivity.
Still, what’s clear from the trailer is that Jaafar has taken this responsibility seriously. He isn’t just playing Michael—he’s honouring him, studying him, and bringing his story to a new generation with both respect and passion.
For fans of Michael Jackson, and for those who’ve followed the rise and fall of music legends, Jaafar’s performance will be a central part of the film’s impact. Whether it becomes a defining moment in his own career remains to be seen—but this is without doubt the role of a lifetime.
Final thoughts
The trailer for Michael delivers a visually powerful, emotionally charged preview that highlights performance, legacy, and personal intensity. Jaafar Jackson’s transformation into his uncle has already drawn strong reactions online, with many praising the authenticity and resemblance.
Whether the full film will deliver the same impact remains to be seen—but for now, fans across the world are watching closely.
Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches.
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