Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, has shared insights into his preparation for portraying the King of Pop in the upcoming biographical film Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. Set for release on April 24, 2026, the film traces Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 through his rise as a solo superstar in the 1980s.
In an interview with Rolling Stone India, Jaafar Jackson described his immersive approach to the role, which included studying Michael Jackson’s interviews, personal writings, and home videos to capture the artist’s mannerisms and humanity. He emphasized that he approached the character the same way Michael Jackson studied his own inspirations—by analyzing their work and integrating those qualities into his performance.
Jaafar Jackson revealed that he created a dedicated “research room” during his preparation, lining the walls with quotes from Michael Jackson’s mantras, personal handwriting, career milestones, and a timeline of global events corresponding to different phases of the singer’s life. He said having access to some of Michael’s personal writings allowed him to feel a deeper connection to the artist.
The actor also highlighted the significance of revisiting Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family home in Encino, California, where albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad were initially developed. Jaafar Jackson noted that he grew up in the house and holds personal memories of Michael Jackson there, making it emotionally important to return for rehearsals to reconnect with the environment that shaped the artist’s creativity.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for films such as Training Day and the The Equalizer trilogy, and written by John Logan, whose credits include Gladiator, Sweeney Todd, and James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, Michael is produced by Lionsgate Films and GK Films. The film stars Jaafar Jackson in his acting debut, alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo.
Principal photography for Michael began in January 2024 after delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and concluded in May 2024, with additional photography taking place in June 2025. Visual effects were provided by companies including Cinesite and Industrial Light & Magic. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on April 10, 2026, before its wider release.
With a reported budget between $155 million and $200 million, Michael aims to offer a dramatized account of how Michael Jackson’s most influential albums came to be, highlighting his artistic evolution and global impact. The film covers the period from his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to his early solo career, presenting a portrait of the artist as both a visionary performer and a deeply private individual.
As the release date approaches, Jaafar Jackson continues to reflect on the weight of portraying such an iconic figure—not just as a global superstar, but as a family member whose legacy remains deeply personal to those who knew him best.