Jaafar Jackson Brings His Uncle’s Legacy to Life in Michael

The upcoming biopic Michael explores fame, family, and legacy — reminding us how the stories we inherit can both inspire and divide

For many parents, Michael Jackson’s music was the soundtrack of their youth. Now, a new generation — led by his own nephew — will see his story retold on screen.

On Thursday, November 6, Lionsgate dropped the first trailer for the film based on his life. The film stars his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role.

Trailer highlights 

In the trailer, Michael is seen in the studio recording with Quincy Jones. The footage also showed a glimpse of his life in the Jackson family and his rise to fame, including his signature “moonwalk” dance moves.

Three of his most popular songs, “Wanna Be Starting Something,” “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough,” and “Thriller,” were also teased in the trailer.

In the synopsis provided, it states: “The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”

Before the Michael biopic, the last film based on his life and that of his family was The Jacksons: An American Dream, a 1992 miniseries on ABC. 

Jaafar Jackson: A role of a lifetime

Jaafar, son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson, shared a photo back in 2023 of him practicing his uncle’s moves when news was announced that he was starring in the film.

“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.”

Another 2023 photo showed Jaafar posing in one of Michael’s signature moves.

Jaafar also shared the poster and teaser on his Instagram, indicating that Michael will be shown on April 24, 2026.

While the teaser has attracted 1.2 million views as of November 7, the film also had its controversies.

Michael Jackson’s daughter’s response 

The Guardian reported in September that Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, had distanced herself from the film after reports came out that she was involved in it.

“Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had zero per cent involvement in lol that is so weird,”  she wrote on Instagram stories at that time.

She explained her statement further, stating, “They’re going to make whatever they’re going to make. A big reason why I haven’t said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are gonna be happy with it.”

“A big section of the film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in the fantasy, and they’re gonna be happy with it.”

The singer adds that movie companies tend to sugar-coat movies based on true people, saying that there are many inaccuracies and lies.

“At the end of the day, that doesn’t really fly with me. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it.”

It was reported that the biopic has been in the works since 2019 in cooperation with Michael Jackson’s estate.

Michael’s career

Michael Jackson rose to fame as part of the Jackson 5 and would go solo, releasing several albums and tours.

For all his success in music, Michael has also become a controversial figure with stories about his facial change, up to his marriages and children.

Michael’s marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley, made headlines in 1994. They divorced in 1996.

He would go on to marry Debbie Rowe and have his kids, Prince and Paris. They divorced in 2000.

Michael would have another son, Prince Michael, who today goes by the name Bigi.

Michael Jackson died in 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Why this movie matters

While there have been several TV shows and books analyzing Michael Jackson’s life, Michael — despite its controversies — will give a new generation of fans a chance to rediscover who he was. For parents, it’s a nostalgic return to the music that defined their youth, and for kids, it’s a front-row introduction to one of pop’s greatest legacies. More than a movie, it’s a reminder of how family stories — whether celebrated or complicated — are passed down, retold, and reinterpreted across generations.

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