Universal Pictures has warmed up its engines with the first official making of Michael, the long-awaited biographical film about Michael Jacksonand the absolute protagonist of the preview is none other than Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the King of Pop. The video offers an unprecedented look at the production process and reveals why the choice of the young artist has been considered essential to capture the essence of the most influential musical icon of the 20th century.
The preview, lasting just over two minutes, combines images from the filming, statements from the creative team and fragments of rehearsals that show Jaafar transforming into his uncle with a naturalness that has surprised even those responsible for the project. the movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King —the same one behind Bohemian Rhapsody—, is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious releases of next year.
“I never dreamed of being an actor. I didn't even think about playing Michael. But I knew I had to do it. To play Michael I had to win the role and show the producers that I was capable of becoming him,” explains the interpreter, who is aware of how his life will change after this feature film. There is no doubt that the production falls on his shoulders: “None of us would be here today if it weren't for Jaafar,” says the director.
WECB Classic
WECB Classic
Since his signing was announced, Jaafar Jackson generated enormous expectations. His physical resemblance to Michael Jackson is evident, but the making of shows that his contribution goes far beyond genetics. The video shows the young artist carefully studying the singer's gestures, body posture and stage energy, working alongside choreographers, vocal coaches and movement specialists.
The creative team highlights that Jaafar not only plays Michael: he embodies him. As Fuqua explains in the making of, the production needed someone capable of conveying the artist's emotional complexity, not just his musical virtuosity. The singer's nephew, who has grown up surrounded by music and family history, brings a unique sensitivity that, according to the team, has been decisive for the tone of the film.
“Basically it was about going back to the roots and recovering that authenticity. I felt the love for Michael every day on the set from the crew and the cast. Everyone felt that love. And they wanted to put all their love and their hearts into it,” says Jaafar Jackson in the publication. The production team has worked with designers, music historians and collaborators who were part of Jackson's real environment to ensure the authenticity of the project.
The film will also feature Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine, Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca and Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe. Besides, Kat Graham will play Diana Ross and Larenz Tate will play Berry Gordy. Everything indicates that it will be a choral portrait of one of the most influential families in American music.
Michael will hit theaters on April 24, and everything indicates that it will be one of the musical premieres of the year. Will it also be the one that returns the King of Pop to the center of global pop culture? We will find out very soon.
