MOVIE NEWS – The upcoming Michael is one of the most anticipated Hollywood productions of recent years. The film charts the rise of one of the defining figures of modern entertainment.

The movie follows Michael Jackson’s journey from his beginnings as the youngest member of the Jackson 5 family group to the release of Bad, the album that marked his major breakthrough.

In Antoine Fuqua’s film, the late artist is played by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Jaafar is the son of the singer’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, who is also one of the film’s producers.

Jaafar not only resembles his uncle, but has inherited a good deal of his talent as well. He threw himself completely into the role, taking part in intense dance training sessions that often pushed him to the edge of physical endurance. According to ScreenRant, there were times when he practiced a single move for so long in the studio that his heel began to bleed.

The production brought in people who had once worked directly with Michael. Jaafar was coached by Rich and Tone Talauega, who were the King of Pop’s choreographers for many years. That direct connection made it possible for Jaafar not only to learn the steps themselves, but also to absorb the inner energy that made Michael’s dancing so distinctive.

Director Antoine Fuqua stresses that Jaafar is not just another Michael Jackson imitator. While many people try, with varying degrees of success, to copy MJ’s movements, Jaafar essentially transformed himself during preparation. He practically never stopped rehearsing before filming began, and the process of practice lasted almost right up until the cameras rolled.

(Michael – U.S. release: April 24, 2026.)

Source: UIP Dunafilm