Michael Jackson’s nephew to play ‘King of Pop’ in biopic

AFP

The late pop singer Michael Jackson will probably be portrayed by his 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, within the biographical film “Michael,” the Lionsgate studio stated.

Michael will discover “the complicated man who became the King of Pop,” Lionsgate stated in an announcement.

The movie will embody “all aspects” of his life and his most noteworthy performances that set him on the trail to turning into an icon within the musical world,” it stated.

Production will begin this 12 months and the movie will probably be directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, who each stated that Jaafar Jackson had a pure capacity to emulate his uncle and convey him to life.

“It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role,” King stated in a news launch, including that he “cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson”.

Lionsgate didn’t instantly tackle one of the vital controversial facets of Jackson’s story – his trial on baby abuse costs in 2005 and extra allegations in opposition to the singer featured within the 2019 documentary, Leaving Neverland.

In 2005, Jackson was acquitted by a California jury within the abuse case involving a 13-year-old boy.

The 2019 documentary adopted the accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claimed they have been befriended by Jackson and have been abused by him from ages seven and ten, respectively, within the early Nineties.

In 2020, a California appeals courtroom dominated that the 2 males may pursue their claims by way of a lawsuit. The Jackson household denied these accusations and the Michael Jackson property gained its attraction that 12 months.

Jackson was a toddler star along with his household’s pop group the Jackson 5 and went on to a solo profession that made him one of the vital well-known folks on the planet earlier than his dying in 2009 on the age of fifty.

His hits embody the 1982 Thriller album which featured the title tune in addition to Billie Jean.

Jaafar Jackson is the son of Michael Jackson’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson, who can be a singer and producer.

“Jaafar embodies my son,” stated Michael Jackson’s mom, Katherine Jackson, within the news launch. “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”