Before ‘Michael’: Who Is Jaafar Jackson and How Did He Land the Role?

When Michael, the 2026 biographical drama about Michael Jackson’s life and legacy, opened globally on April 24, one name quickly became the focus of conversation: Jaafar Jackson. Not only was he cast as the King of Pop, but he also truly embodies him on screen in a career-defining performance that has catapulted this singer-actor from relative obscurity to international fame.

At 29, Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson’s rise to star status in one of Hollywood’s most awaited films of the decade is as intriguing as the story Michael seeks to tell. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, Michael chronicles the pop icon’s journey from a gifted child in Gary, Indiana, to one of the most influential entertainers in history.

A Legacy Born Into Talent

Jaafar Jackson was born on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Jermaine Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. He is one of eleven siblings in a family with deep musical roots in American pop culture.

Despite being surrounded by artistic talent, Jackson’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t guaranteed. Before Michael, he was primarily known as a singer and dancer. At age 12, he started singing and playing piano, eventually making his debut with the 2019 single Got Me Singing. He also appeared in reality TV, particularly in The Jacksons: Next Generation, and in the music video for Tito Jackson’s 2021 song Love One Another.

The Casting That Changed Everything

The seed for Jackson’s transformation into Michael Jackson was planted in early 2020 when producer Graham King approached him about a biopic. Jaafar had never acted professionally before, making his casting announcement in January 2023 all the more surprising.

Producers and director Antoine Fuqua spent two years casting, evaluating performers worldwide before choosing Jaafar. They were drawn not just by his family ties but by his rare mix of vocal talent, dance instinct, and emotional depth. Fuqua later told Variety that there was an undeniable “spiritual connection” when he first met Jackson and that Jaafar had a “natural ability to imitate Michael and such great chemistry with the camera.”

At the Michael Los Angeles premiere, according to reports, Jackson stated, “I knew to make my family proud,” highlighting the pressure of expectation and his personal dedication to the role.

Training for the Unthinkable

Taking on the role of the King of Pop was a demanding athletic, psychological, and artistic task. Reports from Rolling Stone India and interviews with Jackson reveal he approached the role with the same intensity that Michael would have, obsessing over every detail. He immersed himself in archival interviews, private footage, and classic performances to understand what made Michael Jackson captivating.

Jaafar also underwent rigorous training in singing and movement. Sources confirm he spent countless hours learning to sing in Michael’s distinctive voice, match his unique phrasing with feeling, and master the choreography that defined hits like Thriller and Billie Jean.

This blend of talent and discipline was showcased during the film’s iconic dance sequences, which many reviewers say electrify the screen even when the story stumbles.

A Family Endorsement and Emotional Resonance

The Jackson family strongly supported the casting. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, publicly endorsed Jaafar’s portrayal, saying he “embodies” her son in spirit and performance.

Prince Jackson, Michael’s eldest son and an executive producer on Michael, shared his emotional response to seeing his cousin on screen, calling it an “emotional shock,” a sign of how deeply Jaafar’s performance resonated with those closest to Jackson.

However, Jaafar’s ambition extends beyond imitation. As he told Rolling Stone India, he aimed not just to mimic but to grasp the person behind the icon. This include the complexity of Jackson’s drive, vulnerability, and creative genius. “I studied not just the moves or the voice,” he said, “but his humanity.”

A Breakout Star Facing New Horizons

Michael has already made a significant impact at the global box office, reaching major milestones and renewing focus on Jackson’s cultural significance across generations. For Jaafar, the reception is a validation of a bold gamble: stepping into the shadow of one of pop music’s biggest icons and emerging as a credible interpreter of that legacy.

Critics are divided on the film’s overall narrative, but even those with reservations acknowledge that Jaafar looks like Michael, moves like Michael, and, importantly, seems to breathe new life into the story of a legend.

As Jaafar Jackson moves off the set and onto the global stage, the industry is observing to see whether this defining role will launch a broader acting career or if he will always be tied to the legacy he respectfully revived. One thing is clear: Michael has fundamentally changed his career and introduced a new name to a worldwide audience eager for authentic storytelling at the crossroads of music, legacy, and cinematic art.