michael jackson imdb biography

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was a multitalented singer and dancer who enjoyed a chart-topping career both with the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist.

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Quick Facts

Early life and family, the jackson 5, emerging solo career, "thriller" (1982), the height of stardom, continued career success and abuse allegations, career decline and criminal charges, wives and children, memorials and legacy, who was michael jackson.

Known as the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson was a best-selling American singer, songwriter, and dancer. As a child, Jackson became the lead singer of his family’s popular Motown group, the Jackson 5 . He went on to a solo career of astonishing worldwide success, delivering No. 1 hits from the albums Off the Wall , Thriller , and Bad . Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums in history. In his later years, Jackson was dogged by allegations of child molestation. The 13-time Grammy Award winner died in 2009 at age 50 of a drug overdose just before launching a comeback tour.

FULL NAME: Michael Joseph Jackson BORN: August 29, 1958 DIED: June 25, 2009 BIRTHPLACE: Gary, Indiana SPOUSES: Lisa Marie Presley (1994-1996) and Debbie Rowe (1996-2000) CHILDREN: Michael “Prince,” Paris , and Prince “Blanket” ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Virgo

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. He was the eighth of 10 children born to Joseph Jackson , a crane operator, and Katherine Jackson, a homemaker and a devout Jehovah’s Witness. Both of Jackson’s parents previously had musical aspirations themselves: Katherine played clarinet and piano and had aspired to be a country singer, while Joseph was a guitarist who performed in local R&B bands. They encouraged their children to pursue musical ambitions, and Jackson’s career in music began at the age of 5 under his father’s encouragement.

Almost all of Jackson’s siblings made marks in the music industry, including Rebbie , Jackie, Tito, Jermaine , La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Janet Jackson . (His brother Brandon, Marlon’s twin, died shortly after birth.) Joseph pushed his children hard to succeed, making them rehearse five hours a day after school, and was reportedly known to become violent with them . He was said to beat them with a belt buckle or electric kettle cord and to order them to break a branch off a tree if they got a dance step wrong so he could hit them with it.

Joseph molded his sons into a musical group in the early 1960s that would later become known as the Jackson 5. At first, the Jackson Family group consisted of Jackson’s older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Jackson joined his siblings when he was 5 years old and emerged as the group’s lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. They officially became the Jackson 5 when older brother Marlon joined the group.

Watch This Is It , the dramatic documentary with rare behind-the-scenes footage of Michael creating and preparing for his sold out shows that would have taken place in London's O2 Arena.

Jackson and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, “Big Boy,” with the B-side “You’ve Changed,” but the record failed to generate much interest. The group moved on to working as the opening act for R&B artists such as Gladys Knight and The Pips, James Brown , and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and the Jackson 5 eventually caught the attention of Motown founder Berry Gordy .

Impressed by the group, Gordy signed the group to his label in early 1969. Jackson and his brothers moved to Los Angeles, where they lived with Gordy and with Diana Ross of the Supremes as they got settled. The Jackson 5 made its first television appearance during the 1969 Miss Black American Pageant, performing a cover of “It’s Your Thing.” Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 , hit the charts in December 1969, with the single “I Want You Back” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart shortly afterward.

More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.” For several years, Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Gordy and his Motown staff. The group became so popular that it even had its own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1972. Jackson also popularized the “robot dance” after using the move during a 1973 performance of the song “Dancing Machine” on The Mike Douglas Show .

Despite the group’s great success, there was trouble brewing behind the scenes. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph over the management of his children’s careers, with the Jacksons wanting more creative control over their material. The group officially severed ties with Motown in 1976, though Jermaine remained with the label to pursue his solo career. Now calling themselves the Jacksons, the group signed a new recording deal with Epic Records. By the release of its third album for the label, Destiny (1978) , the brothers had emerged as talented songwriters.

Moonwalk: A Memoir

Jackson began his solo career while simultaneously performing with the Jackson 5. He released his debut solo album at age 13 with Got to Be There (1971), making the charts with the title track. He had his first solo No. 1 single with the title track from his sophomore album Ben (1972), which he recorded for the 1972 film of the same name about a killer rat. Jackson followed those albums with Music and Me (1973) and Forever, Michael (1975), the latter of which was his last album with Motown Records.

As Jackson’s stardom rose, he tried his hand at acting, and the experience left its mark on his music, too. Jackson portrayed the Scarecrow in the Sidney Lumet–directed film The Wi z (1977), starring alongside Diana Ross and Nipsey Russell. While living in New York City to make the film, Jackson frequently visited the Studio 54 nightclub and was exposed to early hip-hop music, which contributed to his beatboxing in future songs like “Working Night and Day.”

Jackson achieved his solo career breakthrough with Off the Wall (1979), his first album with Epic Records and his first produced by Quincy Jones , whom he met while working on The Wiz . An infectious blend of pop and funk, Off the Wall featured the Grammy Award–winning single “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” along with such hits as “Rock with You,” “She’s Out of My Life,” and the title track. Critics felt the album moved Jackson from the pop music of his youth into a more complex sound, and some have called it one of the best pop albums ever made .

Jackson was still performing with his brothers at this time, and the overwhelmingly positive response to Off the Wall helped the Jacksons as a group. Their album Triumph (1980) sold more than 1 million copies, and the brothers went on an extensive tour to support the recording. At the same time, Jackson continued exploring more ways to branch out on his own. In 1983, Jackson embarked on his final tour with his brothers to support the album Victory (1984). Jackson’s duet with Mick Jagger called “State of Shock” was the most successful single from the album.

Jackson achieved unparalleled success with the release of his six solo album Thriller (1982), which as of August 2021 was still recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling album of all time, having sold 67 million copies worldwide and 34 million units in the United States alone. The album stayed on the charts for 80 weeks after its release, holding the No. 1 spot for 37 weeks, and generated seven Top 10 hits, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Human Nature,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” and “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).”

The album garnered 12 Grammy Award nominations and notched eight wins, both records at the time. Jackson also filmed an elaborate music video was for the album’s title track. Directed by filmmaker John Landis, the 14-minute “Thriller” mini-movie features a horror plot that culminates with Jackson dancing with dozens of zombies in an abandoned city street. Following its debut on MTV on December 2, 1983, it was hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time and became the first music video to be selected for the National Film Registry in 2009.

On a 1983 television special honoring Motown, Jackson performed his No. 1 hit “Billie Jean” and debuted the moonwalk, which became one of his signature moves. The dance step, which R&B musician Jeffrey Daniel had taught him three years earlier , involves the dancer gliding backwards despite bodily actions that suggest forward motion. The much-lauded dance performance further boosted sales for the already-successful Thriller album. The New York Times hailed Jackson as a “musical phenomenon,” writing: “In the world of pop music, there is Michael Jackson and there is everybody else.”

Jackson signed a record-breaking $5 million promotional deal with PepsiCo in November 1983, launching the brand’s youth-targeted New Generation campaign. However, Jackson ended up filing a lawsuit against Pepsi when, during filming of a simulated concert for a commercial, pyrotechnics accidentally set Jackson’s hair on fire , resulting in second- and third-degree burns on his scalp. Jackson had surgery to repair his injuries and is believed to have begun experimenting with plastic surgery around this time. His face, especially his nose, would become dramatically altered in the coming years.

In 1985, Jackson showed his altruistic side by working with Lionel Richie to co-write “We Are the World,” a charity single for the non-profit organization USA for Africa. A veritable who’s who of music stars participated in the project, including Ray Charles , Bob Dylan , Willie Nelson , Bruce Springsteen , and Tina Turner . It became one of the top-selling singles of all time and raised, by some accounts, more than $75 million for humanitarian aid to fight poverty in Africa.

Five years after Thriller , Jackson released his highly-anticipated follow-up album Bad (1987). Although unable to duplicate the phenomenal sales of Thriller , Bad still reached the top of the charts and became the first album to feature five No. 1 hits with “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Dirty Diana.” Filmmaker Martin Scorsese directed the title track’s music video, which featured a then-unknown Wesley Snipes and involved an elaborate story about delinquent teenagers and gang violence. Jackson spent more than a year on the road, playing concerts to promote the album.

In 1988, Jackson bought 2,700 acres of property in Los Olivos, California, for $17 million and had it converted into Neverland Ranch , a home and private amusement park that he owned until 2005. Named after the fantasy island from the Peter Pan story, it included a zoo, train, Ferris wheel, and 50-seat movie theater. Several exotic pets were kept at the ranch, including Jackson’s famous pet chimpanzee Bubbles.

Around the late 1980s, rumors began swirling that Jackson was lightening the color of his skin to appear more white and sleeping in a special oxygen chamber to increase his lifespan. In 1993, Jackson agreed to a rare television interview with Oprah Winfrey to quell rumors. He explained that the change in his skin tone was the result of a skin condition known as vitiligo, and he opened up about the abuse he suffered from his father.

In 1991, Jackson released his eighth solo album Dangerous , his first without Quincy Jones in 16 years. The album marked a different direction for Jackson and mixed various genres, including R&B, funk, gospel, hip-hop, rock, industrial, and classical. It included the hit single “Black or White,” with an accompanying music video directed by Landis and featuring a cameo appearance by child star Macaulay Culkin . The final minutes of the video featured Jackson making sexual gesturing and violently damaging cars and buildings, which drew criticism from some viewers. Jackson issued an apology and edited the video to remove these elements.

Jackson’s music continued to enjoy widespread popularity in the following years. In 1993, he performed at several important events, including the halftime show of Superbowl XXVII. However, 1993 also saw the first of several child molestation allegations against Jackson, when a 13-year-old boy claimed that the music star had fondled him. Jackson was known to have sleepovers with boys at his Neverland Ranch, but this was the first public charge of wrongdoing. The police searched the ranch, but said they found no evidence to support the claim. The following year, Jackson settled the case out of court with the boy’s family.

In the 2003 television documentary Living with Michael Jackson, British journalist Martin Bashir spent several months with the singer, even getting him to discuss his relationships with children. Jackson admitted that he continued to have children sleep over at his ranch, even after the 1993 allegations and that sometimes he slept with the children in his bed. “Why can’t you share your bed? That’s the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone,” Jackson told Bashir.

Jackson’s musical career began to decline with the lukewarm reception to HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I (1995). The two-disc album featured a greatest hits compilation on disc one and new material on disc two that included collaborations with Janet Jackson, The Notorious B.I.G. , Shaquille O’Neal , and Slash . HIStory was considered Jackson’s most personal album , with lyrics pertaining to his child abuse allegations and anger of his treatment by the media. The record spawned two hits, “You Are Not Alone” and his duet with sister Janet, “Scream.” The spaceship-themed video for the latter song cost a record-setting $7 million to produce and earned a Grammy Award for its slick effects. Another track from the album, “They Don’t Care About Us,” brought Jackson intense criticism for using an anti-Semitic term.

In 2001, Jackson released Invincible , his final studio album prior to his death. It cost $30 million to produce, making it the most expensive album ever made . The album touched upon such topics as isolation, social issues, and Jackson’s continued objections to the media. Despite debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, it received mixed reviews from critics. Invincible was released as Jackson was having legal issues with Sony over the rights to his master recordings , which escalated when Jackson called Sony Music Chairman Tommy Mottola a racist who exploits Black artists.

By the turn of the century, Jackson was increasingly becoming known for his eccentricities, which included wearing a surgical mask in public. In 2002, Jackson made headlines when he seemed confused and disoriented on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards. In 2002, he received enormous criticism for dangling his baby son Blanket over a balcony while greeting fans in Berlin, Germany. In a later interview, Jackson explained that “We were waiting for thousands of fans down below, and they were chanting they wanted to see my child, so I was kind enough to let them see. I was doing something out of innocence.”

In 2003, Jackson encountered more legal woes when he was arrested on charges related to incidents with a 13-year-old boy. He faced 10 counts in total, including lewd conduct with a minor, conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion. The resulting 2005 trial was a media circus, with fans, detractors and camera crews surrounding the courthouse. More than 130 people testified, and Jackson’s accuser described via videotape how he had been given wine and molested. However, the jury found problems with his testimony, as well as that of his mother. Jackson was found not guilty of all charges on June 14, 2005.

In August 1994, Jackson announced that he had married Lisa Marie Presley , daughter of rock icon Elvis Presley . The union proved to be short-lived, as they divorced in 1996. Some thought that the marriage was a publicity ploy to restore Jackson’s image after child molestation allegations.

Later in 1996, Jackson wed nurse Debbie Rowe . Jackson and Rowe had two children through artificial insemination: son Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. , born in 1997 and known as Prince Jackson, and daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson , born in 1998. When Rowe and Jackson divorced in 1999, Michael received full custody of their two children. Jackson would go on to have a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II who went by “Blanket” and now “Bigi,” with an unknown surrogate in 2002.

Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home. CPR attempts failed, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he died later that morning. In February 2010, an official coroner’s report revealed Jackson’s cause of death was acute propofol intoxication, or a lethal overdose on a prescription drug cocktail including the sedatives midazolam, diazepam, and lidocaine.

Aided by his personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray , Jackson had been taking sedative drugs to help him sleep at night. Murray told police that he believed Jackson had developed a particular addiction to propofol, which Jackson referred to as his “milk.” Murray reportedly administered propofol by IV in the evenings, in 50-milligram dosages, and was attempting to wean the pop star off the drug around the time of his death.

A police investigation revealed that Murray was not licensed to prescribe most controlled drugs in the state of California. The steps he took to save Jackson also came under scrutiny, as evidence showed that the standard of care for administering propofol had not been met, and the recommended equipment for patient monitoring, precision dosing, and resuscitation had not been present. As a result, Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter on November 7, 2011, receiving a four-year maximum prison sentence.

In 2013, the Jackson family launched a wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live, the entertainment company that promoted Jackson’s planned comeback series in 2009. They believed that the company had failed to effectively protect the singer while he was under Murray’s care. Jackson family lawyers sought up to $1.5 billion—an estimation of what Jackson could have earned to that point—but in October 2013, a jury determined that AEG wasn’t responsible for the singer’s death.

On July 7, 2009, a televised memorial was held for Jackson’s fans at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. While 17,500 free tickets were issued to fans via lottery, an estimated 1 billion viewers watched the memorial on television or online. Jackson’s death resulted in an outpouring of public grief and sympathy. Memorials were erected around the world, including one at the arena where he was set to perform and another at his childhood home in Gary, Indiana. The Jackson family held a private funeral on September 3, 2009, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, for immediate family members and 200 guests. Celebrity mourners included Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley and actor Elizabeth Taylor .

Over the course of his career, Jackson had notched 38 Grammy Award nominations and 13 wins, including Album of the Year for Thriller , Record of the Year for “Beat It,” Song of the Year for “We Are The World,” and his first Grammy in 1980 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance on “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.” Among his other awards and honors are the 1993 Grammy Legend Award, his 2001 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

A documentary of Jackson’s preparations for his final tour, entitled This Is It , was released in October 2009. The film, which features a compilation of interviews, rehearsals, and backstage footage of its star, made $23 million in its opening weekend and went on to make $261 million worldwide.

A handful of posthumous albums were released in the years after Jackson’s death. The first, Michael , was released in December 2010 amid controversy about whether the singer actually performed some of the tracks. Brother Randy was among those who questioned the authenticity of the recordings, but the Jackson estate later refuted the claims, according to The New York Times . The second album, Xscape ( 2014), featured R&B star and Jackson protege Usher performing the single “Love Never Felt So Good.” The album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard ’s Top 200 Album chart.

Since his death, Jackson has been profiled in multiple biographies and inspired the creation of two Cirque du Soleil shows. He was posthumously honored with the 2018 Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Legacy Award for Humanitarian Service, with children Paris and Prince Michael accepting on his behalf.

Jackson’s debts have been settled thanks to his earlier investment in the Sony/ATV Music catalog, which includes the publishing rights for songs of industry heavyweights such as the Beatles , the Rolling Stones , and Taylor Swift . The Jackson estate sold its share of Sony/ATV in 2016 for $750 million, and two years later, the estate received another $287.5 million for its stake in EMI Music Publishing. Additionally, Jackson’s earning power lasted well past his final days. In October 2017, Forbes announced that Jackson had topped the publication’s list of top-earning dead celebrities for the fifth straight year, earning $75 million.

Accusations of sexual abuse against Jackson resurfaced in early 2019 with the airing of Leaving Neverland at the Sundance Film Festival, followed by an HBO broadcast. The four-hour documentary explores the recollections of two men who describe how the pop star lured them into his orbit when they were boys, gaining the trust of their parents, before coercing them into sexual activities in hotel rooms and at his Neverland Ranch. The Jackson estate called the two accusers “serial perjurers” and launched a $100 million lawsuit against HBO. As of December 2020, the suit planned to go into arbitration .

• Being onstage is magic. There’s nothing like it. You feel the energy of everybody who’s out there. You feel it all over your body.
• Being an entertainer, you just can’t tell who is your friend.
• Being mobbed hurts. You feel like you’re spaghetti among thousands of hands. They’re just ripping you and pulling your hair. And you feel that any moment you’re gonna just break.
• I hate to take credit for the songs I’ve written. I feel that somewhere, someplace, it’s been done, and I’m just a courier bringing it into the world. I really believe that. I love what I do. I’m happy at what I do. It’s escapism.
• Why can’t you share your bed? That’s the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone.
• If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.
• I always want to know what makes good performers fall to pieces.
• My father would rehearse with a belt in his hand. You couldn’t mess up.
• Magic is easy if you put your heart into it.
• I wouldn’t be happy doing just one kind of music or label ourselves. I like doing something for everybody... I don’t like our music to be labeled. Labels are like... racism.
• What I’m asking is whether this is still a country where a peculiar person such as Michael Jackson can get a fair shake and be considered innocent until proven guilty... or is this just a 21st century American barnyard where we all feel free to turn on the moonwalking rooster... and peck it to death?

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The Biography.com staff is a team of people-obsessed and news-hungry editors with decades of collective experience. We have worked as daily newspaper reporters, major national magazine editors, and as editors-in-chief of regional media publications. Among our ranks are book authors and award-winning journalists. Our staff also works with freelance writers, researchers, and other contributors to produce the smart, compelling profiles and articles you see on our site. To meet the team, visit our About Us page: https://www.biography.com/about/a43602329/about-us

Colin McEvoy joined the Biography.com staff in 2023, and before that had spent 16 years as a journalist, writer, and communications professional. He is the author of two true crime books: Love Me or Else and Fatal Jealousy . He is also an avid film buff, reader, and lover of great stories.

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Michael: release date, cast, first look and everything we know about the Michael Jackson biopic

Michael Jackson is the latest music icon to get the biopic treatment.

The King of Pop is coming to the big screen, as Michael Jackson is the subject of the upcoming biopic simply titled Michael . This is the latest entry of the music biopic genre that in recent years has included Bob Marley: One Love and Elvis .

Michael features a number of Hollywood veterans helping to bring Jackson's legacy — reportedly including some of its more complicated facets — to life on screen, including Antoine Fuqua as the director, Oscar-nominee John Logan as the writer and Oscar-winner Graham King producing. But to play Michael Jackson, the filmmakers have turned to a new face, but one with a connection to the famous singer.

Find out more about that and other key details for the movie below as we go over everything that you need to know about Michael .

Michael release date

A worldwide premiere date of April 18, 2025, has already been set for Michael .

The movie is currently in production, but even though it is more than a year away, it immediately becomes one of the more anticipated upcoming movies on the calendar.

Michael cast

Playing Michael Jackson in the biopic is Jafaar Jackson, the singer's nephew. Jackson is a singer, songwriter and entertainer, but he is making his acting debut playing his uncle. "With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael," said producer Graham King. "He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could."

Young actor Juliano Krue Valdi is going to play the younger version of Michael.

The rest of the Jackson 5, the iconic family group where Michael Jackson first broke out, will see Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson play the younger and older versions of Jermaine Jackson; Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson; Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson; and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson. 

The rest of the cast for Michael brings plenty of experience. Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo ( Rustin ) plays Joe Jackson, Michael's father, Nia Long ( Missing ) plays his mother Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller ( Top Gun: Maverick ) is playing Michael Jackson's lawyer John Branca.

Michael plot

Here is the official synopsis for Michael from Lionsgate:

" 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."

Michael trailer

There is no trailer for Michael at this time. When one becomes available, we'll add it here. 

Michael first look

While there’s no trailer, a first-look image of Jafaar Jackson as Michael Jackson has been shared, depicting him as his late-uncle on the 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour.

The photo was taken by Kevin Mazur, who documented Michael Jackson throughout his career, including rehearsals of Jackson's This Is It concerts.

"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," said Mazur in a Lionsgate press release. "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."

Antoine Fuqua movies

Antoine Fuqua directs Michael , and while this is his first biopic, he is familiar with telling the story of an iconic real-life figure, having directed the documentary What's My Name: Muhammad Ali . Check out Fuqua's full list of credits right here:

• Bait (2000)
• Training Day (2001)
• Tears of the Sun (2003)
• Lightning in a Bottle (2004)
• King Arthur (2004)
• Shooter (2007)
• Brooklyn's Finest (2009)
• Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
• The Equalizer (2014)
• Southpaw (2015)
• The Magnificent Seven (2016)
• The Equalizer 2 (2018)
• What's My Name: Muhammad Ali (2019)
• Infinite (2021)
• The Guilty (2021)
• Emancipation (2022)
• The Equalizer 3 (2023)

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Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca , Moulin Rouge! , Silence of the Lambs , Children of Men , One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars . On the TV side he enjoys Only Murders in the Building, Yellowstone, The Boys, Game of Thrones and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun. Follow on Letterboxd .

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Michael Jackson's Nephew Tapped to Portray Him in Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic

Updated on 1/30/2023 at 2:35 PM

With the explosion of celebrity biopics in recent years — " Elvis ," about rock legend Elvis Presley, "Bohemian Rhapsody" about Queen singer Freddie Mercury, and " Rocketman " about icon Elton John, to name a few — it was due time for Jackson's simultaneously fascinating and tumultuous personal and professional life to be highlighted in a feature film. Well, it's happening. The King of Pop is coming to a movie theater near you soon, and we finally know who's portraying him: his nephew, Jaafar Jackson.

It was announced on Jan. 18 via Deadline that the late Michael Jackson's story will be told in a new Lionsgate biopic directed by the acclaimed Antoine Fuqua and coproduced by " Bohemian Rhapsody " producer Graham King. On Jan. 30, Fuqua revealed Jaafar's casting in an Instagram post that included a photo of him dressed like his late uncle. He captioned it, "Proud to announce @jaafarjackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon."

Jaafar seems like the best candidate for the gig as his singing voice closely resembles his uncle's — just check out his music video posted on YouTube.

As for Jackson's biopic, it'll follow after previous renditions about his life — including the 1992 TV movie "The Jacksons: An American Dream" and 2004's "Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story." Jackson, born in 1958 in Indiana, rose to fame as a child star along with his brothers as part of The Jackson 5. The musical genius went on to win 13 Grammys over his lifetime, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, and was dubbed "The King of Pop" after embarking on a solo career and releasing hits like "Billie Jean," "Thriller," "Beat It," and "Smooth Criminal."

While Jackson's career was undoubtedly impressive, his life was complex and shrouded in controversy in his later years. Between accusations of child sexual abuse and his tragic death at age 50, Jackson has made headlines for more than just his musical talent. Now, that full life story will be detailed in the upcoming biopic about his life.

Read on for all the details we have about the film so far.

Michael Jackson Biopic Title

While there are many celebrities with the first name Michael, there's perhaps none more recognizable and timeless than Michael Jackson, which is why his biopic is moving forward with the fitting title, "Michael."

"Michael" Plot

According to The Hollywood Reporter , "Michael" will cover everything from Jackson's child stardom in The Jackson 5 to his impactful musical career as an adult, but will also fairly address the accusations of child sexual abuse he faced late in his life. Although the exact plot hasn't been confirmed, it's also expected for the film to touch on the pop star's tragic 2009 death.

"Michael" Biopic Director, Producers, and Screenwriter

Per Deadline , "Micheal" will be directed by Fuqua, who most notably worked on "Emancipation" with Will Smith , "The Equalizer" franchise starring Denzel Washington , and the critically acclaimed "Training Day."

"For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson," Fuqua shared about the subject of "Michael" (via Variety ). "I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work — the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible."

King, who most recently worked on the Freddie Mercury biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," will co-produce "Michael" alongside John Branca and John McClain, who were both involved in Jackson's life in different capacities. While Branca, an entertainment lawyer, was part of Jackson's management team and instrumental in producing the "Thriller" short film, McClain is a music executive who's been associated with acts like Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Janet Jackson.

The film's script will be penned by John Logan, who famously worked on "Gladiator" and the hit James Bond films "Skyfall" and "Spectre" featuring Daniel Craig .

"Michael" Biopic Release Date

No details about "Michael"'s release date or filming locations have been shared at this time. Production, however, is reportedly set to kick off later this year , accommodating Fuqua's schedule as he's currently working on "The Equalizer 3" in Italy.

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See the Michael Jackson Biopic Cast, Side by Side with the Real People

Here are the actors playing the Jackson family and those closest to the King of Pop in the new biopic

Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate; Pete Still/Redferns

The cast of the Michael Jackson biopic has big shoes to fill.

In January 2023, it was announced that  Lionsgate was working on a film  about  the King of Pop , which will  simply be titled  Michael . 

Starring as the late pop singer will be Jackson's own nephew Jaafar Jackson , who is the son of Jermaine Jackson. 

"It's incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life," director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement to  Variety . "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 will be joined by a handful of other big stars for the upcoming film, including Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo and Miles Teller. Most recently, Lionsgate announced which actors will be playing the rest of the Jackson 5 singers, including Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie Jackson.

Here's a look at the cast side by side the real people they'll be playing.

Juliano Krue Valdi as Young Michael Jackson

Courtesy Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

In January 2024, Lionsgate announced that 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will 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? In the end, that was our focus – talent – and 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,” Fuqua said of Valdi’s casting. 

Michael will mark Valdi's first feature film role following appearances on shows such as Bite Size Halloween and Face's Music Party , per his IMDb .

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson

The late singer’s 27-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson is set to play him in the new movie. He was selected for the role after a worldwide casting search was conducted, of 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 and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson."

Though Michael will mark his acting debut, Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Jaafar has been singing and dancing since age 12, according to Deadline , and previously appeared in a number of family-oriented projects over the years, including 2015's  The Jacksons: Next Generation  and Tito Jackson's 2021 music video  "Love One Another."

Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson

Judah Edwards, who previously appeared on Hulu's Saint X , will play a young Tito Jackson in the film. Meanwhile, The Michael Blackson Show actor Rhyan Hill will play Tito in his later years.

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson

Broadway actor Jaylen Lyndon Hunter will play a young Marlon Jackson, a role he previously played on the first national tour of MJ: The Musical . Tre Horton, who has an extensive history in theater and previously appeared on My Enemy Alpha , will play Marlon in his later years.

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson

David Makes Man star Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will play a younger Jackie Jackson, while The 4400 star Joseph David-Jones will play Jackie in his later years.

Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson

Jayden Harville will make his film debut in Michael as he plays a younger version of Jermaine Jackson. Taking on the role of Jermaine in his later years will be South Central Love star Jamal R. Henderson.

Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson

Unique Nicole/Getty; Alain BENAINOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty

Oscar-nominated Rustin  actor Colman Domingo is set to play Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson. Producer King said the actor "has such incredible range" and is "grateful to be working" with him on the project.

Domingo has an extensive acting résumé, having appeared in many notable Broadway shows, TV series and films over the years. Most recently, he starred on HBO's Euphoria , which earned him an Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a drama series, and the biographical drama Rustin , which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor .

Nia Long as Katherine Jackson

Slaven Vlasic/Getty; Dave Hogan/Getty

Playing the Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson will be Nia Long, who called her character "an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family."

She added, "As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere."

Like Domingo, Long has had many notable acting roles to date. She first gained prominence for her roles in Boyz n the Hood and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , and is well known for her other roles in Friday , The Best Man and Empire .

Miles Teller as John Branca

Paras Griffin/Getty; Aaron Rapoport/Corbis via Getty 

Miles Teller is set to play John Branca, who became Michael's manager after Joe Jackson, and was instrumental in helping launch his early career as a solo artist — notably with the release of "Thriller." Branca is also producing the biopic with John McClain as the co-executors of Jackson’s estate.

Teller first rose to fame with his role in the Divergent film trilogy but gained critical acclaim for his role in Whiplash , which earned him various award nominations. Recently, he garnered worldwide success for his starring role in Top Gun: Maverick alongside Tom Cruise.

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Michael Jackson’s nephew looks just like the King of Pop in first photo from biopic

Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson is the spitting image of his late uncle.

On Feb. 13, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International shared a first-look photo of Jaafar Jackson dressed as the iconic singer in the upcoming biopic “Michael."

In the picture, Jaafar Jackson channeled his late uncle by rocking a white V-neck shirt, a pair of black pants and a ponytail, which was a signature style of the "Man in the Mirror" singer.

According to Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, Jaafar Jackson was recreating one of Michael Jackson's performance looks from his legendary 1992-'93 "Dangerous" tour.

Once the snap circulated online, fans were quick to react to how they felt about Jaafar Jackson being cast in the role.

"He look like MJ :)," one person commented on X.

Another said , "Woa I had to do a double take."

A third added , "Crazy how much they look alike."

A fourth joked , "Was he resurrected?"

The first-look photo was captured by photographer Kevin Mazur, who is one of the many photographers who documented Michael Jackson over the years.

"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," Mazur said in a press release.

Producer Graham King echoed the same sentiment. He said, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.” 

Read on to learn more about Michael Jackson's new biopic "Michael."

What is Michael Jackson's new biopic 'Michael' about?

"Michael" will tell the story of the late 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 by his most iconic performances," according to a statement from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International. "As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known."

When is Michael Jackson's new biopic 'Michael' coming out?

"Michael" is set to be released in theaters worldwide on April 18, 2025. The film is currently in production.

Who is cast in the film?

A few actors have already been announced for "Michael."

Alongside Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo is set to play Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long will take on the role of Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson.

Miles Teller is also set to star in the film and play the singer's manager John Branca.

“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," said "Michael" director Antoine Fuqua in a statement.

"Most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael," he continued. "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.” 

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‘Michael’ Cast: Who’s Who In The Michael Jackson Biopic

By Robert Lang

Robert Lang

More stories by robert.

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The Michael Jackson biopic movie Michael , being directed by Antoine Fuqua from a script by John Logan, has been ramping up on the casting front since Deadline first broke the story of the project in January 2023. The film is underway on production ahead of a n April 18, 2025 release date via Lionsgate and Universal.

The film will focus on Jackson’s career highlights beginning with the days he fronted the Jackson 5 to becoming the world’s biggest star but also deal with the pedophile accusations that dogged his later years up to his death in 2009 at age 50.

Casting started at the beginning. when Fuqua and producer Graham King tapped Jackson’s nephew and Jermaine Jackson’s son Jaafar to portray Michael in the singer’s prime. Juliano Krue Valdi has been set as the young Michael.

Fuqua said he’s been “blown away” by Jaafar’s resemblance to the King of Pop, telling EW he “sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny.”

Others now cast in the film include Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson’s influential parents Joe and Katherine, and Miles Teller as Jackson attorney John Branca. A group of eight actors — four younger, four older — have been set to play Michael’s brothers Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie : Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson (Jermaine), Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton (Marlon), Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill (Tito) and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones (Jackie).

Scroll below for the actors and who they’re playing, and keep checking back as more are confirmed.

Jaafar Jackson playing Michael Jackson

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson: First-Look Image

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in ‘Michael’ biopic, and Michael Jackson onstage at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1992

Juliano Krue Valdi playing young Michael Jackson

Juliano Krue Valdi, Michael Jackson

Colman Domingo playing Joe Jackson

Colman Domingo and Joe Jackson

Nia Long playing Katherine Jackson

Nia Long, Katherine Jackson

Miles Teller playing John Branca

Miles Teller, John Branca

Jayden Harville & Jamal R. Henderson playing Jermaine Jackson

(L-R) Younger Jermaine played by Jayden Harville, and older by Jamal R. Henderson

Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill playing Tito Jackson

(L-R) Younger Tito played by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, and older by Tre Horton

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton playing Marlon Jackson

(L-R) Younger Marlon played by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, and older by Tre Horton

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones playing Jackie Jackson

(L-R) Younger Jackie played by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, and older played by Joseph David-Jones

Jessica Sula playing La Toya Jackson

 playing La Toya

Larenz Tate playing Berry Gordy

Kat Graham playing Diana Ross

Liv Symone playing Gladys Knight

Kendrick Sampson playing Quincy Jones

Kevin Shinick playing Dick Clark

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Everything we know so far about the new Michael Jackson biopic

The King of Pop is getting a controversial new biopic – with his nephew in the lead role

It’s an era for big pop biopics, with Freddie Mercury ( Bohemian Rhapsody ), Elton John ( Rocketman ), Whitney Houston ( I Wanna Dance With Somebody ) all getting the big-screen treatment in the past few years, and a new Amy Winehouse film currently shooting in London. Those films’ combination of grandstand lead performances, complex psychology and a jukebox-worth of well-loved pop bangers has proved irresistible to audiences and in some cases, awards voters too.

Repeating the trick for Michael Jackson – a far more polarising, problematic figure than any of those pop peers – looks like a much thornier business, so the new biopic about the one-time ‘King of Pop’ is going to be a major news story long before it hits the screen. Michael , as the film is minimalistically titled, has a lead actor, a big-name director in Antoine Fuqua and a production team with awards pedigree and experience. Here’s what we know about it so far.

What will the Michael Jackson biopic be about?

Scheduled to start filming this year, Michael will chart the singer’s rise to pop superstardom.

According to Variety , it will be a ‘never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop’. Screenwriter John Logan, who wrote The Aviator and co-wrote Gladiator , has penned a script that ‘will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances’.   

Calling the shots on Michael is Antoine Fuqua, a filmmaker best known more for his high-octane thrillers ( The Equalizer, Training Day) , as well as putting a modern spin on 2016’s The Magnificent Seven . Fuqua cut his teeth making music videos for the likes of Drake, Prince and Stevie Wonder.

Like Back to Black , the new Amy Winehouse biopic, the film is being made with the cooperation of the deceased singer’s estate. How the multiple allegations of child molestation made against Jackson will be handled on screen will, no doubt, be influenced by the family’s involvement in the movie. The singer denied the allegations, was tried and found not guilty, and maintained his innocence until his death in 2009.

Who will play Michael Jackson in the new biopic?

The casting keeps things very much in the family, with Michael Jackson being played by his 26-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson. He’s the son of Jackson’s brother, producer-musician Jermaine Jackson, a fellow Jackson 5 member whose sometimes stormy relationship with his more famous sibling may or may not form an intriguing subplot in the movie. 

An acting newbie, Jaafar brings a musical background and some powerful pipes of his own to it.

A large scale casting call was undertaken before the film’s lead actor was eventually found much closer to home. ‘I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,’ says producer Graham King. ‘It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.’

‘It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,’ says Fuqua. ‘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.’

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antoine Fuqua (@antoinefuqua)

There’s no word on how much of the singer’s life the film will cover – although casting the  26-year-old in role seems to limit it to his earlier period of solo success, rather than the years leading up to his death, aged 50.

Any news on the release date?

Not as yet, though 2024 seems likely with the film not yet filming.

What has been said about the biopic?

With the project still in its early stages, the wider reaction has been relatively muted to date. But Jackson remains a deeply controversial figure and the film will need to avoid airbrushing out the darker aspects of the singer’s life, especially after 2019’s acclaimed TV docuseries Leaving Neverland brought old allegations back to the surface in devastating fashion. 

The multi-award winning Michael Jackson Broadway musical is coming to London . Back to Black : everything we know about the Amy Winehouse biopic so far .

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Here’s who’s playing who in the Michael Jackson biopic

The film, titled 'Michael', is due for an April 2025 release

The feature film biopic of Michael Jackson , titled Michael , is set to be released in 2025, and the cast is coming together – read on to see who will star in the film.

Michael has been confirmed to receive a theatrical release in the United States on April 18, 2025, per production house Lionsgate. A UK release date is yet to be announced.

It will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, who is known for films including  Training Day ,  The Equalizer  and  Brooklyn’s Finest . It will also be written by John Logan, who has previously worked on  Gladiator ,  The Aviator ,  Skyfall  and  Spectre .

Filming began last month, having been delayed by the 2023 acting strike, with principal photography in Santa Monica expected to take 80 days.

Given the connection to the Jackson estate, it is unclear whether the film will explore the most controversial aspects of his life, including the allegations of child sexual abuse.

The director of the Michael Jackson documentary  Leaving Neverland , which explored the allegations against the late singer, recently  criticised the making of the new biopic saying it “will glorify a man who raped children” .

Who is playing who in the Michael Jackson biopic?

Recommended.

It was announced in January 2023 that Michael Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson , will play the King of Pop in the film. Jaafar is the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine . This will be the 27-year-old’s film debut, although he has appeared in the Lifetime reality show The Jacksons: Next Generation .

The first photo of Jaafar portraying his uncle has been shared . The pic, which you can view below, sees Jaafar performing as Jackson during his  Dangerous Tour  from 1992-93.

“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said producer Graham King in a statement recently. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”

The role of Michael’s father Joe Jackson will be filled by Colman Domingo.

Domingo has been nominated for an Oscar this year for his portrayal of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in Rustin , and he has also appeared in Euphoria , Selma and If Beale Street Could Talk .

The actor has said of his casting: “It’s exciting to do it with Jaafar. Jermaine Jackson’s son is playing Michael, and he is breathtaking, and I think Graham King, the producer, has assembled an incredible cast.”

He added: “I’m excited to be a part of a film that explores both the complicated soul of the legendary Michael Jackson as well as his impact on music and culture as a global icon. Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation.”

Also announced for the film is Miles Teller , who will play John Branca, Michael’s manager after his father, and the man who was instrumental in launching his solo career. Branca is also listed as an executive producer on the film.

Teller is known for his appearances in Whiplash , Fantastic Four and Top Gun: Maverick .

Playing Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson will be Nia Long, known for Empire , Boyz n the Hood and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . The role of young Michael, meanwhile, will be filled by newcomer Juliano Krue Valdi, who is 9 years old.

“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?” said Fuqua.

“In the end, that was our focus – talent – and 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.”

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• Jermaine Jackson
• Michael Jackson
• Miles Teller

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Michael Jackson’s Nephew Recreates the King of Pop’s Iconic Dangerous Tour in ‘Michael’ Biopic First Look

By Jordan Moreau

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The first look at the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has been released, and it recreates one of the singer’s most iconic outfits.

Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson , plays the King of Pop in “Michael,” which releases in theaters on April 18, 2025. The film is now in production.

Jaafar Jackson takes the stage and recreates his uncle’s iconic “Man in the Mirror” look from his Dangerous Tour from 1992-93 in the first-look photo. It was taken by photographer Kevin Mazur, who photographed Jackson throughout his career and during his “This Is It” rehearsals.

The movie “will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” according to the logline. “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.”

The cast includes Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca.

Director Antoine Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and 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.”

“Michael” is produced by King and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, Branca and John McClain. Lionsgate is distributing the film domestically, while Universal Pictures International will handle all territories apart from Japan, which Lionsgate will oversee. 

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Michael Jackson biopic casts Juliano Krue Valdi as young version of the King of Pop

Don't worry, the 9-year-old already knows how to moonwalk.

Antoine Fuqua 's Michael Jackson biopic has found its young MJ.

Lionsgate announced Thursday that 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi has been cast in Michael and will play the iconic singer during the early period of his career, when he rose to fame as a member of the Jackson 5 with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There."

Valdi will share the title role with Jaafar Jackson , nephew of the late King of Pop, who will portray the adult version of his uncle.

Just a peek at Valdi's social will confirm his dance skills — his moonwalk is ready for the big screen — and his admiration for Jackson. Valdi has amassed nearly 150,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares videos of himself dancing to MJ hits and donning Jackson-inspired clothing.

Glen Wilson; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

"This opportunity is really important to me because Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and he is very special in my heart," Valdi said in a statement. "I've been dancing to his songs for five years now. He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson."

According to a news release, Michael will deliver a "riveting and honest portrayal" of the "brilliant yet complicated" Jackson, who enjoyed childhood stardom before departing the family group to conquer pop culture as a solo artist. For all his success, he was also a polarizing figure, facing multiple controversies and several allegations of child sexual abuse. The film is set to "explore all aspects of Michael's life" prior to his death in 2009, at 50.

Speaking to the difficulty of finding someone to embody the Jackson 5 singer, Fuqua said it proved even more challenging than finding an actor for the adult role, "because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived?"

He added, "In the end, that was our focus — talent — and 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."

As for Jaafar's role in the film, Fuqua previously spoke to EW about the striking resemblance between the actor and his uncle. "It's uncanny how much he's like Michael," he said. "Sounds like him, dances like him. I mean, it's really uncanny."

Michael will begin filming next week and is slated to hit theaters April 18, 2025.

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Related content:

• Antoine Fuqua to direct Michael Jackson biopic from Bohemian Rhapsody producer
• Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson to play the King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic
• Leaving Neverland director condemns upcoming Michael Jackson biopic

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Michael Jackson

• Born November 8 , 1970 · Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Height 6′ 1″ (1.85 m)
• Michael Jackson was born on November 8, 1970 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is an actor, known for Trailer Park Boys (2001) , K-19: The Widowmaker (2002) and Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006) .
• Avid skateboarder.
• An accomplished bass guitar player who has played in numerous bands over the years in the Halifax area.
• Has an encyclopedic knowledge of late 70s/early 80s punk music.
• Grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.
• Former Roman Catholic Altarboy.

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Michael Jackson Movie Biopic Casts Diana Ross & Motown Records Founder Roles

• The Michael biopic adds Larenz Tate and Kat Graham to the cast as Berry Gordy and Diana Ross respectively, alongside lead Jaafar Jackson.
• Tate and Graham join a star-studded cast including Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Nia Long for the upcoming film Michael .
• Jaafar Jackson makes his acting debut as Michael Jackson in the biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua and set for release in 2025.

Michael finds new cast members to play Diana Ross and the founder of Motown Records. The upcoming biopic tracks the life and career of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The film is directed by The Equalizer ’s Antoine Fuqua and is currently set for release in April 2025.

As per Variety , Michael has now added two more cast members. Those cast members will be Larenz Tate and Kat Graham. Tate will play the role of Berry Gordy, who was the founder of Motown Records. Graham will step in as music icon Diana Ross, who helped introduce the Jackson 5, and by extension Michael Jackson himself, to the music world and general public.

Who Else Is In The Michael Cast So Far?

Graham is an actor best known for her role on The Vampire Diaries , where she played Bonnie Bennett. She has also been in a number of films, including How It Ends , All Eyez on Me , and Cut Throat City . Tate, on the other hand, has appeared in movies such as Crash and Girls Trip . Acting in a music biopic like Michael is not new for Tate, as his previous work includes playing Quincy Jones in the 2004 movie Ray .

Graham has also appeared in a music biopic, as All Eyez on Me was about the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

Michael will be led by Jaafar Jackson in the titular role. He is the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson, and the son of music producer Jermaine Jackson. This movie will be Jaafar’s first acting role, as the production decided to go with a family member rather than a known actor for this particular part. Behind the scenes images have already offered a peek at what he looks like in the role.

Though the lead role will be filled by a newcomer, there are also a number of seasoned actors in the cast. Stepping in to play patriarch Joe Jackson is Colman Domingo, an acclaimed actor who was recently nominated for an Oscar for his role in Rustin . He will be joined by pros such as Miles Teller and Nia Long. With all these actors already a part of Michael , Tate and Graham are helping to round out a stacked cast.

Michael is set for release on April 18, 2025.

Source: Variety

Michael (2025)

Michael is an upcoming biographical film created by GK Films by director Antoine Fuqua and details the highs and lows of the King of Pop's storied career. From career to controversies, this documentary aims to cover significant moments in Michael Jackson's life, who Jaafar Jackson plays

Director Antoine Fuqua

Release Date April 18, 2025

Studio(s) GK Films

Distributor(s) Lionsgate

Writers John Logan

Cast Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Rhyan Hill, Judah Edwards, Tre Horton, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Jamal R. Henderson, Jayden Harville, Juliano Krue Valdi, Jaafar Jackson, Miles Teller, Joseph David-Jones

Rating Not Yet Rated

Genres Biography