Look: 'Michael' photo introduces Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Lionsgate and Universal Pictures are teasing the new film Michael.

The studios shared a first-look photo for the Michael Jackson biopic Tuesday featuring Jaafar Jackson as the late pop star.

Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, plays the singer in the upcoming film.

The photo depicts Michael Jackson (Jaafar Jackson) performing "Man in the Mirror" on his Dangerous tour, which ran from 1992 to 1993.

Photographer Kevin Mazur, who documented Michael Jackson's final rehearsal, shot the image.

"When I arrived on my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited -- it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson," Mazur said in a statement. "When I walked onto the set, I felt like I'd gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, 'Wow, it is Michael.' The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything -- he's Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn't have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime -- this is how it was."

"With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael," producer Graham King added. "He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could."

Michael will give "a riveting and honest portrayal" of the life and career of Michael Jackson, who died at age 50 in 2009.

The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Michael's father, Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca, an attorney who shepherded Michael's career.

Michael opens in theaters April 18, 2025. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and is produced by Branca, John McClain and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.