Danica Daniel
This man in the mirror is poised to surprise Michael Jackson fans worldwide.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is the living reincarnation of his uncle in the first image released from Antoine Fuqua’s “Michael.”
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said Oscar-winning producer Graham King. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
The highly anticipated biopic centered on “The King of Pop” from Lionsgate and Universal will be released in theaters on April 18, 2025.
In the image, Jaafar wears an ensemble similar to one that Jackson wore during his performance at the 12th Annual MTV Video Music Awards in 1995.
The 27-year-old transforms into Jackson in a crisp white v-neck shirt, black pants, and a white button-up. His hair is tied back in Jackson’s signature low ponytail.
The moment is a re-creation of Jackson performing “Man in the Mirror” from his 1992-93 “Dangerous” World Tour.
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” producer Graham King said in a statement. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Fuqua, 58, added that many of the people that worked on the film, actually worked with Jackson during his career.
“We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project — hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything — and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film,” he explained. “But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
The image was shot by Kevin Mazur. The famed photographer has worked with a plethora of iconic artists including Madonna, David Bowie, U2, Elton John, Prince, Sting and Nirvana and he worked with Jackson to capture his “This Is It” world tour.
“When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson,” said Mazur. “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour.”
“Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson,” Mazur added. “For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
The film also stars Colman Domingo as Michael’s father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as his mother, Katherine Jackson, as well as Miles Teller as his longtime manager, John Branc
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop,” a press release on the film states. “The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
The movie is also produced by the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.
This post was originally posted by NYPost
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