A crucial part ofMichael Jackson’s identity as a performer was his dance moves as seen when performing songs like “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Smooth Criminal.” In a first look atAntoine Fuqua’s all-encompassing biopic about the pop star,Michael, his nephewJaafar Jacksonis recreating one of his many iconic poses. Dancing will only be a small piece of the film, which will chronicle the singer’s life from young pop icon to troubled superstar while leaving no stone unturned along the way.
The black-and-white shot shows Jackson in a studio as rays of light shine in from the large windows behind him. Although his face is obscured in the dim lighting, he’s seen performing Michael’s iconic toe stand as typically done in his performance of “Billie Jean.” With a hat, jacket, white shirt, black pants, and black shoes on, he appears as the spitting image of Jackson in his prime with the sunshine acting as his spotlight. There’s an almost foreboding feeling, however, asthe darkness in the studio and obscurity around his figure tease the darker side of the pop sensation’s story.
Michaelis a long-gestating project, initially beginning development in 2019 withBohemian RhapsodyproducerGraham Kingand writerJohn Loganbefore landing withLionsgate. Fuquawas announced as the director last yearand since then, he’s assured that the film won’t shy away from the most controversial aspects of Jackson’s character. Behind his larger-than-life, magnetic stage presence, Jackson endured abuse from his father at a young age while withThe Jackson 5and was a constant source of controversy in the public eye, particularly due to constant pedophilia accusations against him up to and after his death in 2009. Fuquapreviously told Collider’sSteve Weintraubthat he’ll give “the facts as I know it” and offer a full account of who the artist was behind the music in hopes of continuing discussion about his legacy.
‘Michael’ Has Its Young and Adult Stars in Place
Jaafar Jackson will only play one part ofMichael’s story, asJuliano Krue Valdihas been tapped to play the young version of the pop icon. Although Valdi is new to the world of film, he’s been practicing to play a young Michael for quite some time now. Onhis Instagram page, he’s accrued nearly 150,000 followers for his costumes and dances inspired by the late King of Pop. Taking the role to the big screen, however, will be a tall order for the newcomer. He’ll be tasked with depicting Jackson’s troubled childhood when he received regular whippings and emotional abuse while practicing for his performances. Valdicouldn’t be more excited about the challenge, though, saying in a statement:
“This opportunity is really important to me because Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and he is very special in my heart. I’ve been dancing to his songs for five years now. He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson.”
Michaelisdue out in theaters on June 08, 2025. In the meantime, stay tuned here at Collider for more information about the highly-anticipated biopic, and check out the first image of Jafaar Jackson as Michael above.
