Jaafar Jackson has shared a new photo from Michael, the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic being directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Shared on Instagram, Jackson’s caption reads, “The Journey Starts Monday.” It was previously announced earlier this month that Michael will officially begin production on Monday, January 22, 2024, with the movie then hitting theaters in 2025.
Check out the Instagram post below:
Juliano Krue Valdi will play a young Michael Jackson in Fuqua’s biopic
While Jaafar Jackson, who is the nephew of Michael Jackson, will primarily play the “Thriller” artist in Fuqua’s Michael, Lionsgate announced on January 18, 2024, that nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi has been tapped to play a younger version of the King of Pop during his years with the Jackson 5.
“When Michael was very young – eleven years old – he astounded the world, possessing the spirit and talent of an adult. He was truly an old soul. He and Juliano have that in common,” said Graham King, who is producing the movie. “Beyond being a phenomenal young talent, Juliano is deeply inspired by Michael and his music, and has managed to translate that inspiration into a presence and performance that captures the true magic of young Michael Jackson.”
Fuqua added, “If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived? In the end, that was our focus – talent – and we looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano’s undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list.”
Valdi said of joining the movie, “This opportunity is really important to me because Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and he is very special in my heart. I’ve been dancing to his songs for five years now. He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson.”
Michael is written by John Logan, while John Branca and John McClain also serve as producers. The movie releases in United States theaters on April 18, 2025.
