Jaafar Jackson on set of ‘Michael’.Photo:BACKGRID
BACKGRID
The cast and crew behindMichael Jackson’s new biopic — including the icon’s nephewJaafar Jackson— are committed to keeping the singer’s legacy alive through costume.
New photos were released on Friday of Jaafar, who will make his acting debut inMichaelas the titular character, wearing an old-school costume, reminiscent of his uncle’s love for varsity jackets, while filming in L.A.
Jaafar Jackson wears uncle Michael Jackson’s varsity jacket while filming “Michael” in L.A.BACKGRID
The actor (whose dad is Jermaine Jackson) was photographed in a red-and-white varsity jacket with a patch, similar to the one Michael wore during his “Bad” days in the late 1980s. The iconic singer wore the jacket during a visit to Japan, as seen in photos capturedhere.
Michael Jackson wearing the “M” jacket from the “Thriller” music video.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The Jacksons’uncanny resemblancewas evident in a set of photos released in February, which shows Jaafar dressed up as a young Michael. It made the film’s release on April 18, 2025, that much more anticipated.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” Fuqua said in a statement toVarietyshared last January. “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.”
Fuqua also previously said that the team behind the project consists of “incredible” hair and makeup artists and costume designers, cinematography, choreography and lighting artists, and even some “who knew and worked with Michael.”
“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,” he added.
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Jaafar has previously shared how he feels about honoring his uncle in such a meaningful way.
“I’mhumbled and honoredto bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life," he wrote on Instagram in January. “To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” he added.
Colman DomingoandNia Longwill also star in the film as Michael’s late father, Joe — who managed the Jackson 5 and daughters Rebbie,La ToyaandJanetfor decades — and mother, Katherine, respectively.
source: people.com
