Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, says he had to earn the role of his uncle in Michael. In his first television interview on TODAY, he said he had to prove to the filmmakers, himself and his family that he could pull it off.
Jackson told Yahoo’s video interview he never dreamed of acting but knew the part was a calling. Producer Graham King looked at nearly 200 actors, per Extra. Complex reports Jackson drew on family game nights and Neverland visits from childhood.
He trained for two years with Rich + Tone Talauega, choreographers who toured with Michael Jackson starting in 1996, per Rolling Stone Philippines. Jackson says the film’s vocals blend his voice with his uncle’s recordings.
Antoine Fuqua directed from a script by John Logan. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson and Nia Long plays Katherine. Michael opened April 24 with $97 million in North America, and The Grio reports it has passed $1 billion worldwide. Critics were mixed, with 39 percent on Rotten Tomatoes versus 97 percent from audiences. Lionsgate confirmed a sequel on May 21 and the film began streaming on Starz in August.
- TODAY: Jaafar Jackson on Auditioning for 'Michael,' Family Reactions, More
- Complex: How Jaafar Jackson Channeled Private Neverland Memories into 'Michael' Role
- Extra: Jaafar Jackson Reveals Biggest Challenge Playing Uncle Michael Jackson
- Rolling Stone Philippines: Jaafar Jackson Reflects on Embodying His Uncle in 'Michael'
- theGrio: 'Michael' is headed to streaming after its billion-dollar box office run
- AFP: Michael Jackson biopic debuts atop N. America box office