Nephew appears dressed as Michael Jackson in the first official photo from the film

The first official photo of Jaafar Jackson portrayed as Michael Jackson for the king of pop's biography has been released.

The journey has begun….#MichaelMovie pic.twitter.com/7HB7G0sJ09

— Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) February 13, 2024

“The journey has begun,” says the caption of the post.

Filming for the biopic “Michael” began on January 22. Jaafar Jackson is Michael's nephew and was chosen to play the king of pop in the film.

Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael's brother and one of the members of The Jackson 5. In another post made in January last year, Jaafar wrote: “I am humbled and honored to bring my uncle Michael's story to life. To all the fans around the world, see you soon.”

The film has also found the actor who will play the star in the young version. Juliano Krue Valdi, just nine years old, became popular on social media for covering the singer and will make his debut in cinemas.

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A post shared by Juliano Krue Valdi (@julianokrue)

“This opportunity is very 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. He makes me feel very special and makes me feel good about myself. I love Michael Jackson's energy,” said Valdi in a statement released on The Hollywood Reporter.

Also according to the vehicle, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International scheduled the film's worldwide release for April 18, 2025 . “Michael” will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, produced by Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan.

It is also worth mentioning that the film is being made with the cooperation of Jackson's family and estate, offering the public “an in-depth portrait of the man and our brother who became the king of pop”, said a statement from the Jackson family in February 2022.