‘Michael’ Photo Shows Michael Jackson’s Nephew Re-Creating ‘Man in the Mirror’ Look

Jaafar Jackson in performance as Michael Jackson, bringing to life the “Man in the Mirror” from the legendary 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour. (Credit: Lionsgate)

Lionsgate has unveiled an official first-look image from the upcoming film Michael.

Released on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the photo shows Jaafar Jackson in costume as his late uncle Michael Jackson during the King of Pop’s 1990s “Dangerous Tour.”

Dressed in a white button-down shirt over a white T-shirt and black pants, Jaafar holds a microphone and re-creates the singer’s “Man in the Mirror” look.

Photographer Kevin Mazur, who documented the music legend for his “This Is It” tour, captured the image.

“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,” Mazur said in a statement. “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.’”

Related StoryNia Long Joins Michael Jackson Biopic as Katherine Jackson

The biopic will take on Jackson’s “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,” according to the official description.

The film’s cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as entertainment executive John Branca.

“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 Antoine Fuqua. “But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael.”

Oscar winner Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) produces alongside John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Jackson’s estate.

“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said King.

Lionsgate is releasing the film domestically, and Universal Pictures is distributing it abroad.

The script for the authorized biopic comes from John Logan (Gladiator and The Aviator).

Michael is scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 18, 2025.


Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.