The nephew of the legendary American pop singer Michael Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, plays the title role in the biographical film Michael – the film magazine Variety.com reported.
The Lionsgate studio film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, presents the complicated legacy of Michael Jackson (1958-2009), also known as the King of Pop.
According to the studio, the work wants to present every slice of the life of the star, who died more than a decade ago, “including the legendary performances that made him one of the greatest entertainers of all time.”
The film is being made in collaboration with the administrators of Michael Jackson’s estate, which could affect how it portrays the child molestation allegations made against the singer during his life and after his death. In 2003, Jackson appeared in court in one of the cases, denied the charges, and was found not guilty. He insisted on his innocence until his death, but the accusations have cast a shadow over his judgment ever since.
Jaafar Jackson, who plays his first major film role in Michael, is the son of the legendary singer’s brother, a former member of the Jackson 5, Jermaine.
“Jaafar epitomizes my son. It’s wonderful to see him carry on the Jacksons legacy of entertainment and performing arts”
-said Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson.
Producer Graham King – whose name is associated with, among other things, Bohemian Rhapsody – said that they searched all over the world for actors before they found the actor who portrayed Michael Jackson.
The film’s screenplay is written by John Logan, the author of Gladiator, 007 – Skyfall, and 007 Specter – The Phantom Returns.
MTI
