Jaafar Jackson resembles uncle in ‘Michael’

Written by a human

Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have released the first photograph of Jaafar Jackson in performance as Michael Jackson for the much-anticipated movie “Michael.”

The movie, which is now in production, is scheduled to be released worldwide April 18th the next year.

Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, the brother of the King of Pop. In the iconic photograph, he can be seen in character as Michael Jackson, bringing to life the “Man in the Mirror” from the legendary 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour.

World renowned celebrity photographer Kevin Mazur clicked the photo.

“The choice to have Mazur capture the first-look photograph of Jaafar Jackson is as intentional as so many of the artistic choices the producers have made,” says an email sent out to members of the press, and which US and Global News also received.

Mazur is among the shutterbugs who documented Michael Jackson over many years. He also captured the King of Pop during rehearsals as MJ prepared for his “This Is It” concerts. Mazur has now also become the first lensman to have clicked Jaafar Jackson in character as Michael.

“​​When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson,” said Mazur, according to the email we received. “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”

About the resemblance between the uncle and the nephew, ‘Michael’ producer Oscar winner Graham King (/GK Films “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “The Aviator,” “The Departed”) said, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”

Sharing his thoughts on the likeness, director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “The Equalizer” films) stated, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”

And they are not wrong. See it for yourself below and let us know in the comments what you think.

The movie is written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan and produced by, along with King, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain. In addition to Jaafar, the star cast includes Nia Long, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.

The movie’s synopsis reads, “MICHAEL will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became 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, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”