Michael Jackson's Nephew Will Play The King Of Pop In New Antoine Fuqua-Directed Biopic

The King of Pop will be back in grand fashion.

Michael Jackson will reportedly be back on the big screen as a biopic, according to Variety. The biopic is set for April 18, 2025, and it will be titled Michael and will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson in his first major role.

Releasing the movie on the big screen domestically will be Lionsgate, and Universal will handle overseas distribution, with the film starting production on January 22.

The film will be produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King and scripted by John Logan. The following is the synopsis:

“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the Kind of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scare – from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”

Also producing the film are co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, John Branco and John McClain. This could influence the way that Michael depicts the several allegations of child sexual abuse that were brought against Jackson amid his career and the aftermath of his death. He was tried and found not guilty of child molestation in 2003. Jackson would go on to pass away just a few years later in 2009 when he was 50, but he always maintained his innocence.

Fuqua just directed the third Equalizer, which starred Denzel Washington. He also directed Emancipation with Will Smith, which was released in 2022.

Jaafar Jackson, the 27-year-old nephew of Michael Jackson, is the son of former Jackson 5 member and solo act Jermaine Jackson. Jaafar has been performing, singing and dancing since the age of 12. He has showcased himself singing classics of Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye among others, according to Deadline.

Fuqua said Jaafar is just like Michael Jackson.

“It’s uncanny how much he’s like Michael … sounds like him, dances like him, sings,” Fuqua said of Jaafar. “It’s really uncanny. Graham King, who is a fantastic producer, found him, and introduced him to me, and I was blown away.”