First Look: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in ‘Michael’ Biopic Set in Downtown Los Angeles

First Look: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in ‘Michael’ Biopic Set in Downtown Los Angeles

The upcoming biopic ‘Michael,’ based on the life of American singer and dancer Michael Jackson, is currently underway in Los Angeles.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, who plays the role of Michael in the biopic, was spotted in Downtown Los Angeles. People were stunned as Jaafar reimagined the look of Michael. Jaafar is gaining popularity among internet audiences for his portrayal of Michael’s appearance.

First Look: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael' Biopic Set in Downtown Los Angeles

In the images, Jaafar is seen wearing a blue military-style jacket with gold details and aviator shades, reminiscent of an outfit Michael wore at a conference in 1983. Jaafar is also seen climbing on top of cars as hundreds of thousands of fans surround him, a signature move regularly associated with Michael. (See the footage)

First Look: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael' Biopic Set in Downtown Los Angeles First Look: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael' Biopic Set in Downtown Los Angeles

Also, Jaafar perfectly mirrored Michael’s hand posture. See it below.

First Look: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael' Biopic Set in Downtown Los Angeles

Directed by Antoine Fuqua from a screenplay by John Logan, the film also stars Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson, Jayden Harville as young Jermaine, Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as young Marlon, Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson, Judah Edwards as young Tito, Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as young Jackie, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran.

Speaking to Variety, Fuqua said, “It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life.” He added, “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such great chemistry with the camera.”

Produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain.

‘Michael’ will hit theaters on April 18, 2025, by Lionsgate, and by Universal Pictures internationally.