Jaafar Jackson is opening up about the memories that shaped his performance in Michael just weeks before the long-awaited biopic reaches theaters. In his first television interview, the singer and first-time actor reflected on growing up around his uncle, Michael Jackson, saying those experiences became central to how he approached portraying one of the most recognizable entertainers in history.
Speaking on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, Jaafar said he drew heavily from the family moments he shared with Michael as a child. “I remember just growing up, and we would have family time,” he said. “Michael would come over to where I was growing up ... and we’d have some days where we’d all get together, play family game day.”
He also recalled visits to Neverland Ranch, describing “wonderful times at Neverland” that included hide-and-seek, rides, movies, and “getting as much candy” as possible.
Jaafar is not only playing Michael Jackson in the upcoming film—he is also Michael’s nephew, the son of Jermaine Jackson. Director Antoine Fuqua said that the family connection became one of the movie’s greatest strengths once cameras started rolling.
Fuqua previously revealed that producer Graham King had discovered Jaafar years before filming began and that the young performer spent nearly two years preparing for the role. When Fuqua first met him, he said he was struck by how closely Jaafar resembled his uncle.
“Then when I met Jaafar, I thought he was pretending,” Fuqua said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. “He was so Michael-like. Just his way he spoke and his behavior and his gentleness.”
Fuqua said the moment that convinced him came during an early screen test, when Jaafar answered a question entirely in character. “He answered the question as if he was Michael and he had the whole room with tears in their eyes,” Fuqua said. “He’s the real deal.”
Jaafar said earning the role required more than simply sharing the Jackson name. “It was a process that I really had to earn,” he said. “It really proved to the filmmakers and myself and my family that I can get to that point where I can pull it off.”
He added that he focused on capturing Michael’s mannerisms, speaking voice, and presence as carefully as possible.
“I wanted to set goals for myself to nail the mannerisms,” Jaafar said. “I didn’t want the dancing to outdo the acting and the acting outdo the dancing.”
According to Jaafar, the film’s vocals are a blend of his own voice and recordings of his uncle.
The film follows Michael Jackson from his days with the Jackson 5 through the Bad era and recreates several defining moments in his career, including the Motown 25 moonwalk and the “Thriller” video.
Fuqua said the production returned to many of the original locations, including the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and the site where “Thriller” was filmed.
The casting was embraced by Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, who said when the role was announced in 2023, “Jaafar embodies my son.” Jaafar said that support has remained crucial throughout production. “I honestly wouldn’t be able to pull this off if I didn’t have the support,” he said.
Michael, which also stars Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, and Kendrick Sampson, arrives in theaters April 24.
