Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming Michael Jackson biopic just revealed a significant first look today. The feature debuted a new image of star Jaafar Jackson in performance as the music icon.
Jackson, the singer’s real-life nephew, will play him in the upcoming film Michael. The first-look image recreates the artist’s “Man in the Mirror” look from the legendary 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour. Check it out below.
The on-set photograph was captured by renowned photographer Kevin Mazur. Mazur was intentionally chosen to photograph the moment as he spent years documenting the real Michael Jackson, such as during rehearsals for Jackson’s “This Is It” concerts.
“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. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
MICHAEL will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified 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.
“We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film,” said director Fuqua. “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.”
In addition to Jaafar Jackson, the film also stars Nia Long, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. It will premiere in theaters April 18, 2025.
