Michael Jackson Biopic Director Says Late Singer's 'Spirit' Shows in Nephew's Performance: 'Magical'

"You have to experience it to believe it," director Antoine Fuqua says of Jaafar Jackson's performance

Antoine Fuqua is already praising Jaafar Jackson's performance as Michael Jackson in their upcoming biopic.

As Lionsgate and Universal Pictures, on Tuesday, released the first image of Jaafar, 27, in character for Michael, the movie's director Fuqua said in a statement that Jaafar's performance goes beyond just a clear physical resemblance between him and his late uncle.

“We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project — hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything — and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film," Fuqua, 58, said. "But most importantly, it's Jaafar who embodies Michael."

"It goes beyond the physical resemblance," Fuqua added. "It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”

Related: See the Michael Jackson Biopic Cast, Side by Side with the Real People

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Filming for the upcoming biopic began late last month. Nia Long and Colman Domingo, who play Jackson's parents Katherine and Joe in the film, were spotted in costume on the film's set for the first time last week.

The first-look photo of Jaafar released Tuesday was captured by photographer Kevin Mazur, who in 2009 took the final photos of Michael at rehearsals just days before his sudden death at 50.

"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," Mazur said in a statement. "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.”

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

Related: Everything to Know About the Michael Jackson Biopic

Lionsgate's development on Michael was first announced in January 2023, along with Training Day director Fuqua's involvement in the film. The movie is written by a screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator, Skyfall) and will also feature Miles Teller in its cast.

Jaafar is the son of Michael's older brother Jermaine Jackson, who performed with Michael in the Jackson family's band The Jackson 5 for years before Michael's solo career took off.

Michael is in theaters April 18, 2025.

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