The story of the King of Pop appears on the big screen.
a Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michaelbegins production and casts the famous faces who will play the important characters surrounding the iconic and complicated artist.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by Oscar nominee John Logan and produced by the team behind it Bohemian Rhapsody, Michael will star Jackson's real-life cousin, Jaafar Jackson, as the titular performer, and a host of Hollywood heavy hitters as his friends and family members.
“I am humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael's story to life,” Jaafar said on Instagram, posting the first photo of himself rehearsing his uncle's legendary dance moves. “To all the fans around the world, I'll see you soon.”
In February 2024, producer Graham King announced that the film had cast eight actors to play the four other members of the Jackson 5 – both younger and older versions of each brother.
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 over the years,” King said in a statement. “I am thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to a global audience in this film.”
A press release about the film states: “Michael will give audiences a compelling and honest portrait of the brilliant but complicated man who became known worldwide as 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, captured in his most iconic performances. Like never before, audiences will get a glimpse into one of the most influential, groundbreaking artists the world has ever known.”
Here's a look at everyone who's been cast Michael so far:
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
The 27-year-old will make his feature film debut by stepping into some big (and gravity-defying) shoes, but it appears to be a role he was born for.
In an interview with EWFuqua said he was “blown away” by Jaafar's portrayal of his uncle. “It's uncanny how much he looks like Michael. Sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It's really uncanny,” he said.
Juliano Krue Valdi will also star as a younger version of Michael.
Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson
Harville makes his feature film debut as the young Jermaine in Michaelafter previous acting gigs in children's commercials and on Nickelodeon and Disney Jr.
Henderson, meanwhile, started his career as a model before making the transition to television, appearing in the Netflix series Mindhunterand film, as the lead in the BET movie South Central Love.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson
Hunter broke out in theater, playing Young Simba on the national Broadway tour of The lionking from 2021-23. He also has a lot of experience Michael role, after playing Young Marlon (and the little-studied Young Michael) on the first national tour of MJ: The musical.
Horton also mainly comes from the theater, having previously played Luke Amen corner, Enter Ritchie A chorus line, and Lefou in it Beauty and the Beast, as well as numerous television and film productions.
Juda Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson
Edwards can be seen in the Hulu mystery series Saint and heard in voice acting roles on Netflix ADA twist And Dee & Friends in Oz, and that of Nickelodeon Blaze and the Monster Machines.
Hill is perhaps best known for his role as Devontae on BET+'s The Michael Blackson Show and in performances op Grey's anatomy And Lovecraft land, however, he is also an accomplished dancer. The multi-talented artist made an appearance in Childish Gambino's iconic music video “This Is America” and has also shared the stage with artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, BeBe Rexha and MC Hammer.
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson
McIntyre is one of the cast's multi-hyphenates as a model and actor, starring in the OWN series David makes man, the Disney+ movie Magic camp and the Netflix original feature Barry, in addition to multiple national advertising campaigns. He also played Young Simba on tour The lionking before continuing the role on Broadway.
David-Jones has appeared on television as Connor Hawke, aka The Green Arrow on The CW's Arrow And Legends of tomorrow, and can then be seen in the upcoming reinterpretation of the network The 4400. The actor played a leading role in films The diverse series: Allegiant, and also appeared in Detroit And Roman J. Israel, Esq.
Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
The Emmy winner and recent Oscar nominee will star as the erratic patriarch of the Jackson family, a complicated character who was undeniably instrumental in shaping who his talented son grew up to be.
In a press release the announcement of his castingDomingo expressed his excitement at being part of a film that delves into the soul of the iconic King of Pop and his profound impact on music and culture worldwide.
“Not only am I fortunate enough to portray a rich, complex and flawed character in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat to Jaafar's incredible transformation,” he stated. “There is something divine about the way Jaafar channels his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael's essence is just on another level.”
Producer Graham King praised Domingo's screen presence and willpower, saying: “There are few actors who present themselves with the undeniable talent of Colman. We are so fortunate to have an actor with his undeniable talent playing Joe Jackson on screen. We couldn't be more excited.” to let him join us on this journey.”
Fuqua also praised Domingo's “incredible range” as an actor, and expressed gratitude for working with an actor with the passion and ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: a husband, father and manager.
Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
The actress will play the mother of Jackson and his eight siblings, who later served as guardians for Jackson's own three children after his death in 2009.
Long commented on joining the cast in a press release, saying, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.”
“As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control, yet still managed to build an immeasurable legacy,” Long said of Katherine, now 93. “I am honored to have her voice on to the screen and share Michael Jackson's story. with audiences everywhere.”
Miles Teller as John Branca
The Top Gun: Maverick star joined the Michael cast as John Branca, the powerful entertainment lawyer who began managing Jackson after Jackson fired his father from the role. He was instrumental in piloting the King of Pop's career to the level of superstardom he reached in the 1980s, working with him until his death – later serving as co-executor of Jackson's estate.
“Miles is a compelling screen presence who I have admired since I saw him Whiplash. He is the perfect actor to capture John's enigmatic personality,” said producer Graham King in a press release. “From our first development conversations, it was clear the emotional bond John still has with Michael. He graciously allowed us to use him as a character in the film and I am thrilled that it is Miles who will portray a relationship that spanned three decades, through Michael's greatest triumphs and most difficult days.”
Fuqua added: “Miles' refined skills as an actor are up to the challenge of playing a man under investigation for the pivotal role he played in Michael Jackson's life. He is the perfect actor to disappear into the role of John Branca.”
Michael is scheduled for release on April 18, 2025.
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