JACKO BACKO
First look at Michael Jackson’s ‘identical’ nephew Jaafar playing King of Pop in new biopic
Casting was approved by Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson
MICHAEL Jackson’s nephew will play the King of Pop in a big budget new biopic.
Seen here in first look pictures, Jafaar Jackson, 27, is the spitting image of the legendary performer as he performs Man in the Mirror from the 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour.
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Jafaar is the son of Jermaine Jackson and an actor and dancer in his own right.
The film’s producer Graham King said: “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael.
“He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Director Antonie Fuqua added: “Jaafar embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
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The images were taken by one of MJ’s favourite snappers, Kevin Mazur, who captured rehearsals for the This Is It concerts.
He added: “When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson.
“When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’
“For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
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Jaafar is said to have won the role after a two-year process, with the casting approved by Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson.
The lad wrote on Instagram: “I’m humbled and honoured to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”
The movie, called Michael, is scheduled for release on April 18 2025.
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