Michael Jackson’s nephew has taken on the role of the King of Pop (Pictures: Splash)
Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson looked to be a chip off the old block as filming for the upcoming biopic kicked off.
It was recently announced that a film would be exploring the life of the late musician, following his death in 2009, at the age of 50.
Antoine Fuqua signed up to direct the flick, simply titled Michael, while Jaafar was later cast in the main role of the King of Pop, with the family celebrating the news.
In new photos, the 27-year-old – son of Jermaine Jackson – was spotted on set for the first time, and proved that the family resemblance is still going strong.
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He was seen posing with a microphone in front of a white backdrop, dressed in dark trousers with gold detailing, coupled with a matching shirt, on top of a white T-shirt.
The outfit was similar to one Michael had previously worn on stage, during some of his most iconic performances.
Jaafar was announced in the role last year (Picture: Splash)
The 27-year-old was the spitting image of his uncle (Picture: Splash)
The Jackson family celebrated the casting news (Picture: Splash)
Jaafar looked totally different when the cameras weren’t rolling, and kept his head down as he made his way into the studio, donning tracksuit bottoms and a long-sleeved top, with oversized sunglasses.
The budding star was confirmed for the role in January, with Graham King serving as producer, along with John Branca and John McClain – who are co-executors of the late singer’s estate.
Although Michael is set to explore the Thriller star’s life, it is unclear how some of the darker aspects will be touched on, including sexual abuse allegations – which he denied during his lifetime, and his estate has continued to deny.
Director Antoine previously said in a statement, via PA: ‘The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am.
Michael died in 2009 at the age of 50 (Picture: WireImage)
Jaafar channeled the music icon in front of the camera (Picture: Splash)
He looked totally different when cameras weren’t rolling (Picture: Splash)
‘For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson. I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work – the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV.
‘His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.’
Although a release date has not been confirmed, Michael’s son and wider family were among those who celebrated Jaafar’s casting at the time, with Prince Jackson leading the way.
‘My cousin @jaafarjackson is going to be playing my father in the upcoming biopic produced by @gkfilms and directed by @antoinefuqua,’ he wrote on Instagram, beside a black-and-white snap.
The budding actor has gone above and beyond for the role (Picture: Splash)
The release date has not yet been confirmed (Picture: Splash)
‘Truthfully I couldn’t be happier and prouder for him, he’s been working his ass off and I know he’s going to do an amazing job.
‘Just being himself, he embodies so much of my dad and I’m confident we are all going to do our best to show the world a part of my father they’ve never seen and that they deserve to see.’
‘To all of my family’s fans and supporters out there thank you for your continued support and love,’ he added.
‘We all know my father and Jaafar’s uncle was such an incredible human being and everyone at @gkfilms is dedicated and excited to bring my father’s story to the big screen.
Michael will focus on the musician’s legendary career (Picture: Getty)
His family were thrilled by the casting(Picture: Instagram)
‘This project means so much to me for many reasons, I’m really happy that my family and I can go on this journey together. @jaafarjackson I know you’re going to be great bro and again I couldn’t be prouder and happier for you cuz [sic].’
TJ, son of Tito Jackson, agreed: ‘Words can’t express how proud I am of my cousin @jaafarjackson. His talent is endless and I truly don’t think there is a better choice on the planet to represent and embody the artistry and person of my uncle @michaeljackson.
‘To say I’m excited would be an understatement. I’m so, so proud.’
