Over a decade after Michael Jackson passed away, his story is told in the feature film Michael. The biopic has Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role.
The film is set to hit theaters on Apr. 24, and the press tour is swinging. On CBR's segment We're Not Really Strangers, actress Nia Long, who plays MJ's mother, Katherine Jackson, revealed why Jaafar was the perfect choice to play the King of Pop.
Jaafar Has the Signature Jackson Trait
Telling Jackson, Long explained, "Someone was asking me what it was like working with you, and I said, 'Working with Jafaar confirmed to me, that every Jackson that I have been in contact with has this sweetness that is really part of the family."
Long continued, "From Janet, to you, to Michael, I've even met your Grandpa, like back in the day. It's in your blood. It's really cool. I'm like, 'They didn't make that up, that's part of who they are. It's genetic.'"
Jackson replied, "Yeah, when you meet my cousins and siblings there is that similar softness." Naturally, his looks and genetics also helped.
Long isn't the only person who approves of Jaafar's casting. The son of Michael's brother, Jermaine Jackson, earned his grandmother, Katherine Jackson's approval.
"Jaafar embodies my son," Katherine Jackson told Rolling Stone in 2023 after the casting was announced. It's so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers."
She noted, "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 have our life story come alive on the big screen."
Michael Is Off to a Rough Start
A biopic about the King of Pop has been in the works for over seven years, as Bohemian Rhapsody's Graham King secured the rights to tell his story. Antoine Fuqua directed the film, with a script by John Logan. However, as it turns out, critics noted the biopic is more about Michael's greatest hits and spotlight and doesn't give too much when it comes to personal struggles.
Michael debuted with a disastrous 27% score from critics, which has since slightly improved to a still-disappointing 33% out of 79 reviews.
This is not great for the upcoming biopic, considering it had a humongous budget, estimated at between $155 million and $200 million. Based on Hollywood math, to become successful, the film needs more than $390 million if the budget is on the lower side, taking into account distribution and marketing costs, and more than $500 million if the budget is on the second half.
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The upcoming Michael also stars Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson, Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson, Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson, Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson, and Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson.
Michael premieres in theaters on Apr. 24. Get tickets through Fandango here.
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Michael
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PG-13
Music
Drama
History
Release Date April 24, 2026
Runtime 130 minutes
Director Antoine Fuqua
Cast
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Writers John Logan
Producers Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
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