Jaafar Jackson Keeps Michael Jackson Biopic Role a Secret from Family
Jaafar Jackson's Secret Casting Revealed
File image of Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the new biopic(Photo: @NuevoHay_16/X)
Los Angeles, April 7: Jaafar Jackson, making his acting debut as Michael Jackson in an upcoming biopic, revealed that he kept his casting a secret from his family for an entire year.
The 29-year-old, who is Michael's nephew and was only 50 when he passed away in 2009, shared insights about his experience during a conversation with co-star Miles Teller for an interview.
Jaafar mentioned, “My mother visited the set once, but she had no idea what to expect. I didn’t disclose anything to her for a whole year while preparing for the role.”
He continued, “No one in my family was aware for a full year. I kept it under wraps until I felt ready to share. When my mom finally saw it on-screen, she was overwhelmed. It was emotional for her to connect it to me.”
Jaafar noted that watching the film was a difficult experience for his mother.
He added, “It was unusual for her. She is very protective, especially considering the attention the film will attract. My father hasn’t seen it yet, and I’m eager for him to.”
“It was a full-body experience and definitely reveals a side of me that my mom hasn’t witnessed before.”
Reflecting on his own viewing of the completed film, Jaafar stated, “I approached it with the mindset of just watching without critiquing. However, it turned out to be a completely different experience than I anticipated. It felt like it went by so quickly. I thought, ‘Is that it?’ The second viewing was entirely different.”
He elaborated, “I could grasp the story better and truly enjoy what was presented on screen, rather than focusing on all the footage we shot that didn’t make it in. That was my issue the first time; I was wondering, ‘Where’s all that footage?’”
Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, a member of The Jackson 5, and Alejandra Jackson.
The film, titled Michael, is directed by Antoine Fuqua and features a talented cast including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. It is set to hit theaters on April 24.