An actor has been found for the new biopic “Michael” about Michael Jackson. A man from the family of the “King of Pop” is to slip into the role.
US director Antoine Fuqua has made a name for himself with films such as “Training Day” and “The Equalizer”. Now he is shooting a portrait of Michael Jackson, which simply comes with the title “Michael”. A leading actor has not been on board so far, but now the Michael Jackson actor has been determined. None other than the nephew of the “King of Pop”, who died in 2009, should play the leading role, Fuqua announced on Instagram.
Jafaar Jackson, son of musician Jermaine Jackson, is 26 years old. With “Michael” he now gets his first big film role. He is correspondingly pleased on Instagram. He feels honored to bring his uncle’s story to life. “See you soon,” he adds. Filming is slated to begin later this year.
“For me, there is no other artist with the power, charisma and musical talent of Michael Jackson,” Fuqua said in a recent statement. Jackson’s work had a strong influence on him, even in his early work as a music video director. In the 1990s, Fuqua worked with musicians such as Prince, Queen Latifah and Toni Braxton.
Michael Jackson died at the age of 50
According to the studio Lionsgate, the film should shed light on the entire life of the “King of Pop”, who became one of the most famous singers in the world with hits like “Billie Jean”, “Beat It” and “Thriller”. His eccentric lifestyle and allegations of abuse later scratched his image. The pop star, who had been on stage with his siblings as a child, died in 2009 at the age of 50.
British producer Graham King is overseeing the project. In the past, the filmmaker caused quite a stir with “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Aviator”. The screenplay is provided by John Logan, author of “Gladiator” and “James Bond 007: Spectre”. Michael Jackson’s family is also on board with the project, unlike some other projects in the past like the 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland”, in which the singer was accused of being guilty of sexual abuse.
That’s what “Michael” is about
The biopic claims to offer an “in-depth portrait of the complicated man,” tracing how Michael Jackson “became the king of pop.” It aims to bring Jackson’s “most iconic performances to life” and provide “an in-depth look at the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life”. The film chronicles Jackson’s beginnings with the band The Jackson Five and his rise to superstardom, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Michael Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50. He is one of the most successful artists in history. He is said to have sold an estimated 400 million records. He had 13 number one singles on the Billboard charts. There are also numerous Grammys and Brit Awards as well as a Golden Globe.
