Jaafar Jackson Nails Uncle Michael Jackson's Peace Sign In New Pics; Seen Yet?

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the Michael Jackson biopic has been in talks for some time now. Focusing primarily on the American singer-songwriter’s career, from the days when he fronted the Jackson 5 to becoming the world’s biggest star, the film is heading for an April 18, 2025, release date via Lionsgate and Universal. Weeks after the makers unveiled the first glimpse of the upcoming biopic, fresh pictures have surfaced from the film’s set, showing Jaafar Jackson smoothly sliding into his uncle’s shoes.

The singer-turned-actor and Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew looks just like his uncle in the new pictures from the movie, Michael. Jaafar can be seen rocking a blue, military-style jacket with gold details and aviator shades, looking quite identical to an outfit that the late pop singer wore in the 1980s.

Not just that, his style also resembled that of the pop legend, as was particularly evident in the later stages of his career. Apart from his nearly similar outfit, Jaafar also sported hair and makeup like Jackson, followed by imitating his smile and giving a Michael-style peace sign.

Take a look:

Earlier in March, the actor was spotted shooting for the film, which seemed to be from the earlier era of Michael’s musical career. He was seen in a much shorter hairdo with a varsity jacket, taking another inspiration from the King of Pop’s wardrobe. These pictures follow several that have come out since Michael first began production.

First footage of the Michael Jackson biopic

At the CinemaCon event in April, makers unveiled the first footage from the pop legend’s biopic. “Michael, you have a very special light. So let your light shine unto the world,” says MJ’s mom Katherine (played by Nia Long) in the voiceover. The footage shows the icon with the Jackson 5 and then, at a concert, doing his signature moves.

Talking about the film’s cast, while Fuqua and producer Graham King got Jackson’s nephew and Jermaine Jackson’s son Jaafar to play the titular role, Juliano Krue Valdi will play young Michael.

Others in the cast include Colman Domingo and Nia Long as the singer’s parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller will portray Jackson’s attorney, John Branca. Further, a group of eight artists have been taken on board to play his brothers Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie.