Jason Weaver knows exactly how hard it is to play Michael Jackson, which is why his praise for Jaafar Jackson lands like a standing ovation from someone who has been there. Decades before the new biopic Michael, Weaver became a breakout star as young Michael in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, singing and acting his way through the Jackson 5 era.

That performance helped define how a generation visualized Michael’s childhood, so his reaction to the new film carries real weight.

The 1992 title The Jacksons: An American Dream set the standard for all Michael Jackson-affiliated cinema with Jason Weaver serving as its power house. As per the praises, with the most recent one coming in from Weaver himself, and box office collection, Jaafar Jackson pulled an equally great feat with the Michael release.

"I just think that Jaafar exceeded all of our expectations" Weaver told People.

Having stepped into Michael’s shoes himself, he understands the level of discipline required. He described the role as demanding not just talent, but deep personal commitment.

Weaver emphasized to PEOPLE that capturing Michael means balancing precision, vulnerability, and charisma all at once. He noted that it takes real sacrifice to make the performance feel authentic on screen. That perspective gives his praise a level of credibility that few others can match. 

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That emotional endorsement is now being matched by undeniable box office momentum.

Michael has officially surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing music biopic of all time. Reports place its global earnings at approximately $911.9 million, just edging past the Freddie Mercury film’s $910.9 million total. The film has also climbed to the top spot domestically among biopics, signaling strong audience engagement.

Its rise to the top was gradual but steady. The film first overtook Elvis before eventually claiming the overall crown in the genre. Backed by producer Graham King, the project combines industry experience with the enduring appeal of Michael Jackson’s legacy. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film charts Michael’s rise through the 1980s. 

The narrative focuses on the peak years of Michael Jackson’s career, highlighting the era of albums like 'Thriller' and 'Bad'. It concludes in 1988, choosing to center the story on his artistic ascent rather than later turmoil. That creative decision has helped shape the film’s tone and audience reception.

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What do you think about Jason Weaver’s praise for Jaafar Jackson and the film’s massive success? Let us know in the comments.