It was a state of double vision for fans when they saw the actor who played Michael Jackson and an online impersonator within feet of each other.
The two media sensations came face-to-face this weekend at an event in Los Angeles. Jaafar Jackson, the actor who plays the iconic singer in the upcoming biopic “Michael,” has received praise for fully embodying the role of his late uncle.
This movie would mark Michael Jackson’s nephew’s debut in the professional acting world. Jaafar has previously expressed that he feels honored to step into the music icon’s shoes, even though it’s only before the cameras.
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The media raved after it was revealed that Jaafar, who is Michael’s biological nephew, would be taking the lead role in the upcoming film scheduled to hit screens this weekend. Many waves arose around their resemblance, and artistic qualities align perfectly, especially when the trailer hit the media, with praises resting on fans’ lips for the young star.
Michael’s signature look is not long gone, nor is it tied to the Jackson clan, and this was evidently displayed by an online content creator, Fabio Jackson, at the AFI Lifetime Awards in L.A. Jaafar and Fabio’s eyes met when they both attended the event over the weekend, and the moment was hilarious and uncanny.
Fans say that the young actor appeared to be caught off guard when Fabio walked up to him and even stretched out his hand for a handshake. Photos uploaded by TMZ show the online impersonator side by side with an image of the iconic singer, and safe to say, Fabio clocked the look. It would have been a gasping moment if Jaafar and Fabio showed up to the event in matching iconic Michael outfits.
Jaafar Jackson Gets Praise For His Role In ‘Michael’
The younger actor’s role as the lead character in the biopic has caught the attention of fans. Despite being born into a family of entertainers, this would mark his first professional acting role and might be his first of many. Since Lionsgate released the trailer for the movie, online viewers and even industry stars have taken to the internet with positive feedback about Jaafar.
The two-minute trailer has gotten millions of views and comments filled with compliments about the entertainer amid fans expressing their eager spirits for the film to hit the cinemas. An online viewer noted that watching the portrayal of the iconic singer felt so real, as if Michael was reborn in his nephew’s body.
“The way he moves… that is genetic memory,” the user gushed. “You can’t teach that level of precision. We are witnessing a resurrection.” The Blast also noted that Antoine Fuqua, one of the directors of “Michael,” told news outlets that he noticed so many similarities between the “Smooth Criminal” singer and his nephew. “[He] sounds like him, dances like him, sings. It’s really uncanny.” Fuqua previously noted.
Other Members Of The Cast Had Fans Equally Excited
“Michael” also stars Nia Long, Colman Domingo, and Miles Teller, who many can’t wait to see on screen. Fans have given the crew their flowers for the casting, noting the actor’s resemblance to the real-life characters. Domingo, who appeared in the trailer in his element as the deceased singer’s father, has viewers thrilled to bits. In the biopic, Domingo is joined by Long to portray Michael Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine.
Many netizens pointed out that Domingo has a good deal of physical resemblance to Joe. More fans are already raising award talk ahead of next year’s Oscars. “Colman Domingo, your 2027 Oscar is ready, sir,” a fan wrote. “Colman Domingo is scary as F-CK in this clip. He’s clearing all the best supporting actor awards, I fear,” another added.
Besides the swirling accolades for the actor, other internet users have been looking at the film from a financial aspect, with predictions as to how much it will hit at the box office. The numbers are running in the billions as “Michael” looks to be a success.
Jaafar Jackson Felt Honored By His Role In The Biopic
Back in 2023, the young actor shared his feelings about being cast as the lead character in the Lionsgate biopic. While he is not new to screens, as he has previously been featured on singing and dancing projects, this is the first time he will be stepping into the acting side of the industry.
Jaafar wrote on social media, attached to a photo of him appearing to burst a similar move as his late uncle often did on stage. “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.” The photo showed the then 26-year-old rocking ankle-length slacks, dress shoes, a hat, white socks, and a vest underneath a jacket.
The Blast reported that Jaafar was picked for the role after a global casting search. Graham King, co-producer for the movie, told outlets that he was “the only person to take on this role.” King also noted that the young star had impeccable representation of his late uncle. Jaafar channeling his inner Michael may stem from the childhood memories he has of spending time at Neverland with the late singer.
Michael Jackson’s Daughter Washed Her Hands Of The Movie
The feud surrounding the production of “Michael” has made headlines over time, involving the late singer’s sister, Janet Jackson, and brother, Jermaine. As much as other members of the family were hands-in on the project, Paris Jackson, the “Beat It” singer’s daughter, decided to step back completely from the project in 2025.
The Blast reports that she had taken herself off the project last September after Domingo suggested she had been “helpful” on set. Paris clarified in a post, telling the actor not to claim she was involved in the project as she had “0% involvement.” The late singer’s daughter also explained that she decided to step away when she noticed the filmmakers did not address the concerns she brought to their attention.
Paris revealed that she read one of the early script drafts and provided feedback on some parts of the storyline that did not sit right with her. After sharing her detailed concerns with the filmmakers, they allegedly did not take them into account to correct the inaccuracies Paris had highlighted, and this fueled her decision to remove herself from the crew.
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