Jaafar Jackson is looking forward to one of the most iconic acting debuts in recorded history as he steps in to play his uncle, the King of Pop, in Michael, releasing soon. The upcoming biopic will be his first film role, making the project both personal and professionally challenging. While it may seem like an easy transition from his previous interests to Hollywood, Jackson's acting venture was not a quick and easy decision, as it took a lot of perseverance to come to fruition. 

Arriving at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jackson opened up about how his role actually came about and the midnight oil he had to burn to bring it to life.

Jaafar Jackson begins his acting career with a high-profile milestone movie by playing one of the most famous musicians on Earth, who happens to be his own uncle, Michael Jackson. When reflecting on how he got the role by fluke at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jackson revealed it led to many years of preparation before he finally got a confirmation. 

Despite having no prior acting experience, he got an unexpected call from producer Graham King asking him to try out for the role of the pop icon. Following a Zoom call, King set things in motion for the debutante.

"It was a multi-year process. It wasn't just a traditional audition. I definitely had to earn the role," the singer-actor told Fallon, revealing that the lion's share of background work and character study had to be done before he officially landed the role. 

Speaking with Fallon about his interest in studying Michael Jackson's discography, Jaafar also revealed that his portrayal of the King of Pop came with the weight of incredible pressure. He is set to make a grand entry into the silver screen with Lionsgate's Michael, alongside veteran actors such as Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. The film is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, in the United States.

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And as the release date for the biopic inches closer, Jaafar has not only been painting his press run with various shades of nostalgia but also the hard work that went into his role.

While it is not a joke enacting the insane aura of pop music's most famous name, Jafaar Jackson's plate weighs heavier than it may seem. The 29-year-old star, who previously had no particular interest in acting, dedicated several years to studying Michael Jackson's performances, voice, and movements to develop both his physical appearance and the characteristics that made him a legendary performer.

In the same interview, Jaafar revealed to Jimmy Fallon that he even worked with an acting coach before his role was confirmed, following which he spent even more time honing the 'Thriller' singer's signature choreography. Jackson has previously come into the global spotlight with his 2019 song 'Got Me Singing'. Back in 2015, he also starred in the reality show The Jacksons: Next Generation and in his other uncle Tito Jackson’s music video for 'Love One Another.' For Jaafar, Michael (2026) is not only his high-stakes film debut but also a once-in-a-lifetime materialization of his cherished memories with his uncle. 

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