Filming recently began on the biopic “Michael” about pop star Michael Jackson. Now the studio Lionsgate has released the first photo from the shoot. US director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) also posted the picture on Instagram.
It shows the main actor Jaafar Jackson (27), son of musician Jermaine Jackson, in a black and white outfit with a microphone on a stage. He is the nephew of the “King of Pop”, who died in 2009. The photo on the set was taken by the renowned photographer Kevin Mazur, who photographed the singer at his last concert rehearsals shortly before Jackson’s death.
Cinema release planned for April 2025
They have an incredible team for costumes, cinematography, makeup and choreography, including some people who once worked with Michael Jackson, Fuqua said, according to Variety. But the most important thing is Jaafar’s embodiment of the singer. “This goes far beyond the physical resemblance. Michael’s spirit magically shines through.” You have to experience it to believe it, Fuqua said.
US actor Colman Domingo (“Rustin”) is on board in the role of the controversial family patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long (“Navy CIS: L.A.”) plays mother Katherine Jackson. British star producer Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and the singer’s family are taking part in the project. The cinema release is planned for April 2025.
According to Lionsgate, the film will shed light on Jackson’s entire life. With hits like “Billie Jean”, “Beat It” and “Thriller”, he was one of the most famous singers in the world. His eccentric lifestyle and allegations of abuse later tarnished his image. The pop star, who appeared on stage with his siblings as a child, died in 2009 at the age of 50.
