{"id":249038,"date":"2025-11-07T09:31:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T09:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/249038\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T09:31:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T09:31:20","slug":"michael-jackson-fans-stunned-by-singers-spitting-image-nephew-in-controversial-biopic-trailer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/249038\/","title":{"rendered":"Michael Jackson fans stunned by singer’s ‘spitting image’ nephew in controversial biopic trailer"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Michael Jackson<\/a> fans have done a double take <\/a>after getting a look at the late singer\u2019s nephew in an upcoming biopic<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n

First announced in 2019, the movie about the King of Pop<\/a> follows his life and career<\/a> from his time with the Jackson 5 as a child in the late 1960s to his death on June 25, 2009.<\/p>\n

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer), the official synopsis has teased that Michael \u2018is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.<\/p>\n

\u2018The film tells the story of Michael Jackson\u2019s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.<\/p>\n

\u2018Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.\u2019<\/p>\n

Making his film debut in the lead role, the star is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, 29 \u2013 the son of Michael\u2019s brother Jermaine Jackson.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Michael
\n\t\tThe first trailer for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has been released (Picture: Universal Pictures UK)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Michael
\n\t\tIt stars the late star\u2019s nephew Jaafar Jackson (Picture: Universal Pictures UK)<\/p>\n

After much anticipation, the teaser trailer for the film was released today. The one-minute clip begins showing Michael in the studio.<\/p>\n

Only the back of his head is seen, before a voice-over then says: \u2018I know you\u2019ve been waiting a long time for this. The tracks are made; the songs are ready. Let\u2019s take it from the top.<\/p>\n

\u2018This is your story. Honour your past and embrace the future. That\u2019s what people want.\u2019<\/p>\n

As some of Michael\u2019s greatest hits \u2013 including Wanna Be Startin\u2019 Somethin\u2019, Don\u2019t Stop \u2019til You Get Enough and Billie Jean \u2013 play, scenes showing him playing stadium shows to screaming fans, sitting around a dinner table with his family, and facing the glare of the paparazzi<\/p>\n

The trailer then cuts to Michael in the studio again, asking his producer to \u2018cut the lights\u2019 before putting on his headphones.<\/p>\n

Soon after watching the trailer, many weighed in on what they thought of the first look at the film \u2013 particularly Jaafar stepping into his uncle\u2019s shoes.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Michael
\n\t\tMany have pointed out how the actor is the \u2018spitting image\u2019 of his uncle (Picture: Universal Pictures UK)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Michael
\n\t\tThe biopic is reported to run for around three-and-a-half hours (Picture: Universal Pictures UK)<\/p>\n

\u2018Jaafar sounds just like his uncle!!! We have classic on our hands people!\u2019 user undergroundambition commented on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2018Excited to see Jaafar honour MJ\u2019s legacy. This biopic is already giving major vibes!\u2019 Samyu shared on X.<\/p>\n

\u2018The fact that they\u2019re using Jaafar Jackson, someone who knew and loved him, gives me hope that this will be a heartfelt and authentic portrayal,\u2019 Shivanshu wrote.<\/p>\n

\u2018This is going to be a huge cinematic moment. Seeing Jaafar Jackson step into his uncle\u2019s legendary shoes, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long in the cast, makes it even more exciting. Can\u2019t wait to see how Michael captures the magic, complexity, and legacy of the King of Pop,\u2019 Parul added.<\/p>\n

Others said Jaafar was the \u2018spitting image\u2019 of his uncle and was already emerging as a frontrunner for an Oscar.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"BEVERLY
\n\t\tThe movie marks Jaafar\u2019s film debut (Picture: Araya Diaz\/Getty Images for Reelz)<\/p>\n

Michael also stars Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Nia Long, Laura Harrier and Juliano Krue Valdi.<\/p>\n

Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve. He released his first single, Got Me Singing, in 2019 and went on to appear in The Jacksons: Next Generation and in Tito Jackson\u2019s music video Love One Another in 2021.<\/p>\n

When it was announced he\u2019d be playing his late uncle, Jaafar released a statement on social media<\/a> which read: \u2018I\u2019m humbled and honoured to bring my Uncle Michael\u2019s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I\u2019ll see you soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

Meanwhile his grandmother Katherine Jackson shared: \u2018Jaafar embodies my son. It\u2019s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.\u2019<\/p>\n

Michael is being made with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson estate.<\/p>\n

Graham King, a producer on the film who also produced the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, previously said they\u2019d searched the world for an actor to play Jackson, before settling on Jaafar.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"LOS
\n\t\tJackson rose to fame aged 6 with his siblings in the Jackson 5 (Picture: Michael Ochs rchives\/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Michael
\n\t\tHe died aged 50 in 2009 (Picture: Kevin Mazur\/ WireImage)<\/p>\n

\u2018I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,\u2019 he said. \u2018It 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

Michael was made on a reported budget of $155million (\u00a3118million) and is said to have a run time of around three-and-a-half hours.<\/p>\n

The singer made his public debut aged six as the lead singer of the Jackson 5. His 1982 album Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, while he had estimated sales of over 500 million records throughout his four-decade career.<\/p>\n

He also won 13 Grammys<\/a>, 26 American Music Awards<\/a>, and six Brit Awards<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Michael is in cinemas on April 24, 2026.<\/p>\n

Got a story?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n

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\nMORE: Glenn Close reveals she took Valium before \u2018traumatic\u2019 Fatal Attraction audition<\/a><\/p>\n

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\nMORE: Ariana Grande calls out Wicked fans \u2018wishing danger\u2019 on her after skipping Wicked premiere<\/a><\/p>\n


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