Michael Jackson nephew Jaafar Jackson to play him in upcoming biopic

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew, will portray the late singer in the Lionsgate biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua.

Fuqua recently confirmed the news on Instagram. The singer and actor is the son from Jermaine Jackson, a member of The Jackson 5 and Michael’s brother.

With a story by John Logan, Fuqua agreed to helm Michael as his next project. The movie is being produced by Graham King, who made the critically acclaimed Bohemian Rhapsody out of the Freddie Mercury and Queen story.

Can Jaafar Jackson play the part?

Jaafar Jackson undoubtedly possesses the voice and skills to treat his uncle with respect.

We’ve heard the movie won’t shy away from the controversies of Jackson’s life, the pedophile accusations that haunted his last years up until his death in 2009 at age 50 from cardiac arrest caused by a cocktail of sedatives, so as an actor, he might very well learn more about his famous uncle than he wanted to.

The Jackson estate’s presence grants rights to Jackson’s musical catalog, but some have questioned how protective they will be.

Nevertheless, it is obvious that certain issues must be investigated for the movie to have a dramatic edge and enough veracity to withstand scrutiny without alienating fans of Jackson’s songs and musical legacy.