Meet the Man Behind the Moonwalk: First Look at Jaafar Jackson in ‘Michael’
We have known for a while that Jaafar Jackson was cast to play his uncle, the King of Pop, in the upcoming biopic Michael. But until now, we haven’t truly seen the man behind the glove. In a new behind-the-scenes teaser, we finally get to meet Jaafar, not just as a Jackson, but as a dedicated artist stepping into perhaps the most daunting role in music history.
While his last name carries undeniable weight, Jaafar reveals that Hollywood wasn’t originally in his plans. “I never dreamed of being an actor or even thought of playing him,” Jaafar admits in the clip. However, when the opportunity to honor his uncle arose, his perspective shifted. “I knew it was a calling.”
For anyone thinking this was simply handed to him, Jaafar is quick to clarify the work he put in. “Embodying Michael, I really had to earn the role and prove to the filmmakers that I was capable of becoming Michael,” he explains. This process wasn’t about surface-level imitation; it was about “starting at the roots and finding that authenticity.”
The first behind the scenes teaser for the Michael Jackson biopic has been released.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 10, 2026
In theaters on April 24. pic.twitter.com/jOrIPaGvDO
“Day one, all I could think of was, ‘Can Jaafar really pull this off?'” Antoine Fuqua, director of the biopic, shared in the clip. “Man, when the music started and he hit those first few moves—I mean, this guy killed it.”
What makes this first look so compelling is seeing Jaafar’s own drive. The crew notes that “he has the desire, like Michael, to be the best,” adding that “whatever that spirit of Michael he’s bringing is present.”
For Jaafar, the experience was fueled by the collective respect on set. “I felt that love for Michael every day on set,” he says. We knew he looked the part, but now we know he has the heart for it too.
Michael hits theaters on April 24.
