Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson portrays his late uncle in the biopic Michael
NEED TO KNOW
-
-
The film, which arrived in theaters on April 24, also features a younger version of Jackson played by Juliano Valdi
-
Jackson's brothers and members of The Jackson 5 are played by lookalike actors, as well
Michael, theMichael Jacksonbiopic, has officially hit theaters.
The movie, which premiered on April 24, tells the story of the late pop singer and his various stages of life — from the early days ofTheJackson 5to his famed solo Bad Tour in the 1980s.
Since the movie spans the earlier years of his life, there are two actors playing the Grammy-winning singer. Jackson's nephewJaafar Jackson, who is the son of Jackson's brotherJermaine Jackson, portrayed the older version, while Juliano Valdi starred as his younger self.
"It's incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life," director Antoine Fuqua said in a January 2023 statement toVariety. "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."
Jaafar is joined by a handful of other stars, includingColman DomingoandMiles Teller.
Here's a look at the cast ofMichael,side-by-side with the real-life people they portray.
Juliano Valdi as Young Michael Jackson
In January 2024, Lionsgate announced that Valdi would portray a young Jackson, as the film covers his rise to fame with his brothers in The Jackson 5.
“If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived?" Fuqua said of Valdi’s casting. "We looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano’s undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list."
Michaelwill mark Valdi's first feature film role following appearances on shows such asBite Size HalloweenandFace's Music Party, per hisIMDb.
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
The late singer’s nephew Jaafar plays him in the new movie. He was selected for the role after a worldwide casting search was conducted, after which producer Graham King said, "It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role."
King added that he was "blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael” and was “beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle."
ThoughMichaelwill mark his acting debut, Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He has been singing and dancing since age 12, according toDeadline, and previously appeared in a number of family-oriented projects over the years, including 2015'sThe Jacksons: Next Generationand Tito's 2021 music video "Love One Another."
Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson
Judah Edwards, who previously appeared on Hulu'sSaint X, plays a young Tito in the film.
Meanwhile,The Michael Blackson Showactor Rhyan Hill plays Tito in his later years.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson
Broadway actor Jaylen Lyndon Hunter plays a young Marlon, a role he previously played on the first national tour ofMJ: The Musical.
Tre Horton, who has an extensive history in theater and previously appeared onMy Enemy Alpha, plays Marlon in his later years.
Advertisement
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson
David Makes Manstar Nathaniel Logan McIntyre plays a younger Jackie.
MeanwhileThe 4400star Joseph David-Jones plays Jackie in his later years.
Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson
Jayden Harville is making his film debut inMichaelas he plays a younger version of Jermaine.
Taking on the role of Jermaine in his later years isSouth Central Lovestar Jamal R. Henderson.
Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
Oscar-nominatedRustinactor Domingo is set to play Jackson family patriarch Joe.
King said the actor "has such incredible range" and added that he was "grateful to be working" with him on the project.
Domingo has an extensive résumé, having appeared in many notable Broadway shows, TV series and films over the years.
He stars on HBO'sEuphoria, which earned him anEmmyfor Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, and the biographical dramaRustin, which earned him anOscar nomination for Best Actor.
Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
Playing the Jackson matriarch Katherine isNia Long, who called her character "an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family."
"It was a huge responsibility to represent a woman who is iconic, who has carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, who is still with us gracefully," Long told PEOPLE in June 2024. "And I am hoping that I delivered because one never knows. I just put in the work and tried to do my best. It was an opportunity of a lifetime."
Like Domingo, Long has had many notable acting roles to date. She first gained prominence for her roles inBoyz n the HoodandThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and is well known for her roles inFriday,The Best ManandEmpire.
Miles Teller as John Branca
Teller plays John Branca, who became Jackson's manager after Joe, and was instrumental in helping launch his early career as a solo artist — notably with the release of "Thriller."
Branca also produced the biopic with John McClain as the co-executors of Jackson’s estate.
Teller first rose to fame with his role in theDivergentfilm trilogy, but gained critical acclaim for his role inWhiplash, which earned him various award nominations.
He garnered worldwide success for his starring role inTop Gun: MaverickalongsideTom Cruise.
Read the original article onPeople
Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson portrays his late uncle in the biopic Michael NEED TO KNOW The film, w...
Security officials evacuate U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as a possible shooter opened fire during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 25, 2026. President Donald Trump, who was in attendance, said a shooter was apprehended in a social media post.
