Jaafar Jackson has spent his entire life inside one of the most extraordinary families in music history. Now, for the first time, the world is about to see what he can do on his own terms.
Born Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, he is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of the King of Pop himself. Growing up in Encino, California, surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins who collectively shaped the soundtrack of modern pop music, Jaafar had no shortage of inspiration — or pressure.
Jaafar Almost Chose Golf Over the Stage
Before music, there was golf. As a young child, Jaafar had aspirations of becoming a professional golfer — a surprising detour for someone born into the most powerful musical family in the world. But the pull of performance was inevitable. He started singing and dancing at the age of 12, teaching himself piano and absorbing the sounds of legends like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Nat King Cole.
In 2019, Jaafar formally introduced himself to the music world. He released his debut single Got Me Singing, then later appeared alongside Stevie Wonder on his uncle Tito’s 2021 track Love One Another. The music career was building slowly and deliberately — exactly the way Jaafar seemed to want it.
A Two-Year Search Led Back to Family
The casting of the Michael biopic was one of the most closely watched processes in Hollywood. Producer Graham King secured the rights to make an authorized biopic of Michael Jackson in November 2019, with director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan soon coming aboard as an open casting call began for the lead role. It took nearly two years before the producers settled on Jaafar.
Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, approved of the casting, saying Jaafar embodies her son. The family blessing carried enormous weight, and Jaafar felt it. He described the moment as one he approached with deep humility and a sense of responsibility that went far beyond any acting role.
Principal photography began on November 27, 2023, in Los Angeles. Directors and producers praised his ability to channel Michael Jackson’s vocal tone, dance movements, and overall presence — qualities that no amount of training alone could manufacture.
Jaafar Steps Into Michael Jackson’s Legacy
The film Michael is not a small project. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King with a screenplay by John Logan, it traces Michael Jackson’s journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
Originally slated for 2025, the film now targets April 24, 2026 for its U.S. debut, with the studio reportedly considering splitting the film into two parts to capture Jackson’s full legacy. The cast includes Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo.
For Jaafar, the role is deeply personal. He was just a teenager when his uncle Michael died at age 50 in June 2009, and later admitted he would have asked him many questions about the career he has chosen for himself. Every rehearsal, every performance, every frame of Michael carries the weight of that loss — and the love behind it.
What Comes Next for Jaafar
At 29, Jaafar Jackson is standing at the edge of something massive. He carries forward an iconic family lineage — yet he does so carving his own path as a singer, dancer, and actor. The biopic is his introduction to the world on the biggest possible stage, and everything points to a performance that will be impossible to ignore.
Michael hits theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026. The conversation starts now.
