Jaafar Jackson bears an “uncanny” resemblance to his late uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic centering on the King of Pop himself.
The 27-year-old budding star was cast as the Thriller hitmaker earlier this year in January. However, the film’s production has been paused due to the current SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike in Hollywood.
The director of the project, Antoine Fuqua, recently revealed that the late singer’s cousin would star in the film.
“It’s creepy how much he looks like Michael,” the filmmaker said Entertainment weekly in an article published Thursday. “Sounds like him, dances like him, sings.”
He continued by admitting, “It’s really creepy. Graham King, a fantastic producer, found him and introduced him to me and I was blown away.’
Resemblance: Jaafar Jackson, 27, bears an “uncanny” resemblance to his late uncle, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic centering on the King of Pop himself; seen in 2014 in Beverly Hills
‘Uncanny’: ‘It’s uncanny how much he looks like Michael,’ the filmmaker told Entertainment Weekly, adding, ‘Sounds like him, dances like he, sings’
Jaafar is no stranger to entertainment and has been singing and dancing since he was twelve.
He is also the son of Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and Jermaine Jackson – Michael’s brother who was also a member of The Jackson 5.
The film, simply titled Michael, will follow the life and story of the iconic artist “as we know it,” Antoine further told the outlet.
The premise will not only follow his lengthy musical career and iconic performances, but also other aspects of his life, such as facing child abuse allegations in the 1990s and his tragic death in 2009 at the age of 50 due to a drug overdose. . .
Regarding his “approach” to the biopic, Fuqua said, “Just to tell the facts as we know them, about the artist, about the man, about the human being.” You know, the good, the bad and the ugly.’
In January, it was revealed that Jaafar had been cast to play the lead role of Michael in the biopic deadline, and at the time jumped to his social media pages to express his excitement.
He shared a black and white photo of himself wearing a similar outfit that Jackson had worn in the past while striking a dance pose.
“I am humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all fans around the world, see you soon,” he wrote in the caption.
Big news: In January, it was revealed that Jaafar had been cast as the lead role of Michael in the biopic, and he jumped to his social media pages at the time to express his excitement
Expected: The film, simply titled Michael, will follow the life and story of the iconic artist “as we know it,” Antoine further told the outlet; Jaafar seen with La Toya Jackson (left) in 2019
Approach: Regarding his “approach” to the biopic, Fuqua said, “Just to tell the facts as we know them, about the artist, about the man, about the human being.” You know, the good, the bad and the ugly’; star seen in 2000 in Monte Carlo
That same month, Antoine was confirmed to have landed the major role as the film’s director. He is known for his work on other projects such as The Equalizer, The Terminal List and also Southpaw.
Fuqua also works with Hollywood producer Graham King, who has been involved in films such as The Aviator, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Departed.
In a statement, the filmmaker expressed his excitement to be a part of the project. “The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that the combination of film and music is a deep part of who I am.”
“For me there is no artist with the power, charisma and sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first black artist to play in major rotation on MTV.”
He added, “His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on screen alongside his music was irresistible.”
Graham also had the chance to share his excitement in a statement of his own, per deadline.
“I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and I am honored to bring their legacy to the big screen. As I sat in Dodger Stadium watching the Victory Tour, I never imagined that nearly 38 years later I would be privileged to be a part of this movie.”
Michael’s mother, Katherine, also gave her blessing to the creation of the biopic that will depict the life of her late son.
“Ever since Michael was little, as a member of The Jackson 5, he loved the magic of cinema. As a family, we are honored to see our life story come to life on the big screen.”
In production: The upcoming Lionsgate movie — which is being made with help from Jackson’s estate — has no set premiere date; seen in 1988 in New Jersey
The upcoming Lionsgate movie – which is being made with help from Jackson’s estate – has no set premiere date. Other cast members have also yet to be announced.
Michael rose to fame as part of The Jackson 5 and had a successful solo career with hits like Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal and Beat It.
He received several awards during his career, including 15 Grammys. The star was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.
Jackson also welcomed three children: daughter Paris, 25, as well as sons Prince, 26, and Bigi, 21 (aka Deken).