Michael Jackson will be played by his 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar, in a biopic about the late pop star, studio Lionsgate announced on Monday.

Jaafar, son of Jermaine Jackson, said on Twitter that he is “honored” to bring his uncle’s story to life.

“To all the fans around the world, see you soon,” the tweet reads.

I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.

Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup

— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023

The film, titled “Michael,” is being made with the cooperation of the Jackson family and estate, offering audiences “an in-depth portrait of the man and our brother who became the King of Pop,” the Jackson family said in a February statement. last year.

Production on the film – which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, produced by Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan – will begin this year.

King conducted a “worldwide search” for the role, he said in a statement, and “was impressed with the way he [Jaafar] organically embodies Michael’s spirit and personality.”

“It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to play his uncle and I can’t wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson,” added King.

Michael’s nephew made his musical debut in 2019 with the single “Got Me Singing”, with a clip recorded in Morro do Vidigal, in the south of Rio de Janeiro.

The Jackson family has expressed their support for the production’s casting, and Michael’s son, Prince, said Jaafar “embodies” much of his father.

“I honestly couldn’t be happier and prouder for him, he’s been working hard and I know he will do an amazing job,” Prince wrote on Instagram.

“I’m confident that we will all do what we can to show the world a part of my dad they’ve never seen and deserve to see.”

Jackson, whose hits include “Thriller”, “Smooth Criminal” and “Billie Jean”, died in 2009 at the age of 50.

His legacy has been tarnished by a series of child molestation allegations and a 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which featured two men who allege that Jackson sexually abused them over several years when they were children.

Jackson’s family refutes the allegations and points to past sworn testimony from the film’s subjects that Jackson did not abuse them.