Michael Jackson’s nephew channels late uncle and his dance moves in new trailer for controversial biopic about the King of Pop

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Fans are getting a first look at the new movie about Michael Jackson’s life.

I’m so excited! They just dropped a new trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, and it’s amazing to see Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, taking on the role. He really captures the essence of his uncle, and I can’t wait to see the full film!

Antoine Fuqua’s film tells the incredible life story of Michael Jackson, charting his journey from a childhood in Gary, Indiana, to becoming a global superstar.

But along with the highs, come the lows.

The film doesn’t avoid portraying Michael Jackson’s father, Joe (played by Colman Domingo), as a strict and controlling figure.

I was really excited to hear Joe lay out his vision for growing the family business – it sounded amazing! But then the camera showed Michael, and you could just tell he had some doubts. He seemed hesitant, like he wasn’t entirely on board with Joe’s plans, and it definitely made me wonder what he was thinking.

Joe announced to reporters that he’s starting an international tour, adding with excitement that this is only the first step.

The idea gives Michael pause. “I need to think things over,” he tells his family in a private conversation.

‘I told you what to think,’ Joe replies.  

Michael says he loves his family, but he really needs to pursue his own interests. He’s full of ideas and feels a strong urge to express them.

Michael’s career began alongside his siblings as part of the family’s Jackson 5 band. 

It was Joe who served as the band’s manager and pushed them to success. 

Okay, so listen to this, it’s EVERYTHING. Joe was at the dinner table, looking right at his kids, and he just laid it all out. He was like, ‘Seriously, are you guys okay with ending up working at the steel mill like me for the rest of your lives?’ And then he IMMEDIATELY follows it up with, ‘Because I certainly don’t want that!’ It was so intense! He just wanted to know if they were willing to fight to get something better. I mean, the passion! It’s everything I aspire to. It’s just…powerful.

The trailer naturally features Michael’s iconic dance moves, which his nephew flawlessly copies.

From the moon walk to his famous Thriller music video, Jackson’s musical legacy is fully captured. 

Even Bubbles, Michael’s pet monkey, makes an appearance. 

Nia Long portrays Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, and delivers a touching line to him: ‘Michael, I knew you were different the moment you were born.’

The upcoming biopic is slated for release on April 24, 2026.  

The first trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic was released in November, but the film has faced several delays. It was originally planned to be in theaters last April.

The release date has been delayed multiple times. Originally planned for October 2025, it was then moved to April 24, 2026.

According to Deadline, a reason for the film’s delayed release, as reported in July, was coordinating plans for showing it in IMAX theaters.

The movie also ran too long, with one version exceeding three and a half hours.

Additional delays occurred because references to Jordan Chandler, who had previously accused Michael of sexual assault, needed to be removed from a draft of the material, as required by a prior agreement.

Sources say a second film about the artist behind “Smooth Criminal” is currently being planned.

It also shows the burn injuries Jackson endured during an explosion on the set of a Pepsi commercial

Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Oaziaza, has been filming scenes for a biographical movie since 2023.

In early 2023, it was announced that Jaafar would play Michael in a new biographical film, according to Deadline. He immediately shared his enthusiasm on social media.

I recently posted a photo of myself in a dance studio, wearing an outfit inspired by one my beloved uncle used to wear. It was a black and white shot, and honestly, it felt like a sweet way to honor his memory while doing something I love.

He wrote in a post that he felt honored and grateful to share his Uncle Michael’s story, and he looks forward to connecting with fans worldwide soon.

This film explores Michael Jackson’s life beyond his music, showing how he rose to fame as the frontman of the Jackson Five and then relentlessly pursued his dream of becoming the world’s greatest performer, driven by his incredible talent and artistic vision.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, this film offers an unprecedented look at Michael Jackson, blending personal moments from his life with footage of his most memorable early solo performances. It reveals the start of his incredible journey.

Back in 2023, director Fuqua stated that Jaafar has an ‘uncanny’ resemblance to his late uncle.

The filmmaker previously told Entertainment Weekly that it’s remarkable how similar this person is to Michael Jackson – they sound, dance, and sing just like him.

Honestly, it was just… incredible. Graham King, that brilliant producer, discovered him – can you believe it?! – and then introduced him to me. I was completely floored. Absolutely blown away. I still get chills thinking about it!

Jaafar has been involved in performing arts for years, starting to sing and dance when he was just twelve years old.

The director explained his goal for the biopic was simply to present an honest portrayal of the artist – the complete person, including both their strengths and flaws. He wanted to show everything, the good, the bad, and the difficult parts of their life.

The project’s cast also features Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Jessica Sula, Kendrick Sampson, and Juliano Krue Valdi.

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2026-02-02 21:36