Michael Jackson’s Nephew Will Play Him in Biopic
The King of Pop will be resurrected by a family member. Deadline exclusively reports that the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua will star Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the music icon. Jaafar Jackson is the son of Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson, one of the other members of The Jackson 5. Jaafar Jackson is following in his legendary family’s footsteps in forging a singing career, with a single called “Got Me Singing” out now; the Michael Jackson biopic will be his first acting role.
Does this mean we get that episode of The Simpsons back?
As with anyone who’s never acted before, it’s hard to say whether or not this will work. Presumably, Antoine Fuqua saw something in Jaafar Jackson and decided he would embody his uncle well – or well enough to justify casting him for his voice, anyway. But it’s hard to say on that score, too, because the song he’s released has clearly messed with his vocals in that obnoxious modern way. The film itself could be interesting; according to Deadline, it won’t shy away from the sexual abuse allegations and other disturbing parts of Michael Jackson’s life. How honestly it can do that, I don’t know; after that documentary came out a few years ago, Hollywood pretended they’d just heard about the controversy that week and suddenly went on a warpath against Jackson. That would indicate to me that the movie will take the position that he’s guilty, unless Fuqua is incredibly brave. (You wouldn’t think saying “I don’t know” about something none of us know for sure would be brave, but it’s the woke era.) Graham King, one of the producers of Bohemian Rhapsody (which is a great movie), is producing this, and John Logan, the writer of Gladiator, The Aviator, and The Last Samurai, wrote the screenplay; those are good signs. I think it’s safe to say people will be talking about this one way or the other. I mean, just wait for the freak-out when they have to paint Jaafar Jackson’s face to replicate Michael’s plastic surgery.
Just kidding, Jaafar; I wish you luck.
