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Michael Jackson’s nephew to star in King of Pop biopic
By The Associated Press NEW
YORK
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Michael Jackson’s 26-yearold nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the King of Pop in the planned biopic “Michael” to be directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Lionsgate announced Jaafar Jackson’s casting Monday for the film being produced by Oscarwinning “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King. Mr. Jackson is the second-youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother. He’s put out music of his own. In 2019, he released his debut single, “Got Me Singing.” “Michael” will be his acting debut.
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” Mr. King said in a statement. “It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”
On Instagram, Mr. Fuqua shared a black-and-white photograph of Mr. Jackson in character. Mr. Fuqua added in a statement that Mr. Jackson “has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
On Twitter, Mr. Jackson said he’s “humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story
“He reassures me on a stressful night when a set hasn’t been built in time and I say to his ear ‘Sorry about that. I need to life.”
“Michael” will be an authorized portrait of the pop star, who died in 2009. The film, scripted by “Gladiator” and “The Aviator” screenwriter John Logan, is being produced with the cooperation of the singer’s estate.
“Jaafar embodies my son,” you to go an extra 90 seconds because Lady Gaga’s orchestra isn’t in.’ He’ll just naturally flow, make a joke, get up and sit at somebody’s table and chat with them,” Mr. Winston said. “That’s a very difficult task which very few people could do — and definitely can’t do with his comedy and charm that Trevor has.”
Mr. Noah said each year of hosting the Grammys has offered a different experience because of the logistical challenges stemmed from the pandemic. But he said the intimate but socially-distanced in-person award show in 2021 helped him build a rapport with music stars — especially when telling his jokes.
Last year’s ceremony in Las Vegas was a hybrid model that included fans.
“Every year, I notice that I develop a different rapport with the people in the room,” he said. “That opens you up to a few more jokes and a few more conversations in a way where people understand the context of who you are in relation to them. It means you get to have a little bit of fun without anybody feeling like you’re dunking on them.”
As a music fan, Mr. Noah is looking forward to checking out the popular performers who will hit the stage including Bad Bunny, Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith, Lizzo, Steve Lacy and
Brandi Carlile.
Beyoncé heads into the ceremony with a leading nine nominations, including record and song of the year nods for her song, “Break My Soul.”
Kendrick Lamar has the secondmost nominations with eight, while Adele and Carlile enter the show with seven nods.
Mr. Styles, Ms. Blige, Future, DJ Khaled, The-Dream and mastering engineer Randy Merrill each received six nomi- nations. “We love having Trevor because he’s so darn good at it,” said Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy. “He is so personable, he’s so funny. I don’t know how he does what he does. He never stumbles, he never hesitates. He’s always so earnest and heartfelt. He’s also a music guy. You see him when he’s not on camera. He’s singing, he’s dancing, he’s rapping. I feel like he’s one of us now.”
Katherine Jackson said in a statement. “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”
“Michael” is to begin shooting this year.
