Jaafar Jackson Says Playing Michael Jackson Was “a Calling” in New Biopic

Jaafar Jackson is opening up about what it took to step into the shoes of his legendary uncle, Michael Jackson, for the upcoming biopic Michael.

In a newly released behind-the-scenes video, Jaafar, 29, gives fans a glimpse at his transformation into the King of Pop — from mastering the iconic dance moves to capturing his uncle’s unmistakable presence.

“I never dreamed to be an actor or even thought of playing him. But I knew it was a calling,” Jaafar says in the clip. “Embodying Michael, I really had to earn the role and prove to the filmmakers that I was capable of becoming Michael. Essentially it was starting at the roots and finding the authenticity.”

Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, one of Michael’s older brothers. He says he felt a deep sense of love and support on set throughout the filming process.

“I felt that love for Michael every day on set from the crew and the cast,” he shares. “Everybody had that love and wanted to put their heart and soul into it.”

Finding the right actor to portray one of the most famous entertainers in history was no easy task. Producer Graham King admits the search was daunting.

“Going through this process of who can play Michael, how do you even start with that?” King recalls. “And then, of course, I meet Jaafar Jackson.”

Director Antoine Fuqua also had initial doubts — until he saw Jaafar perform.

“Day one, all I could think of was, ‘Can Jaafar really pull this off?’” Fuqua says. “Man, when the music started and he hit those first few moves, I mean, this guy killed it. I looked at Graham and Graham looked at me — I was like, ‘Who is this guy?!’”

Fuqua adds that Jaafar shares the same drive for excellence that made Michael a global icon.

The film features a strong supporting cast, including Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Miles Teller as John Branca and Juliano Valdi as a young Michael.

According to Lionsgate, Michael is a “cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known.” The movie will follow his journey from his early days as the breakout star of the Jackson Five to becoming a groundbreaking solo superstar with a relentless ambition to be the biggest entertainer in the world.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. He is survived by his three children — Prince, Paris and Bigi.

Michael hits theaters on April 24, bringing one of music’s most extraordinary stories back to the big screen — this time through the eyes of family.