Get ready, Moonwalk fans! The King of Pop is ready to take over cinemas once again. Lionsgate has dropped the first trailer for ‘Michael’, a biopic promising an intimate peek into the life of Michael Jackson from his early Jackson 5 days to becoming a global icon. And yes, it’s stirring excitement (and maybe a little curiosity) among fans worldwide.
Catch the ‘Michael’ trailer here
A family affair in spotlight
In a casting twist that’s sure to make headlines, Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson steps into the legendary role. This marks Jaafar’s first major film performance, and he’s got big shoes (and sequined socks) to fill.
Director Antoine Fuqua, known for gritty hits like ‘Training Day’ and ‘The Equalizer’, is full of praise for his young star. “It goes beyond the physical resemblance,” Fuqua told ‘People’. “It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
The Jackson clan and Hollywood heavyweights
The film doesn’t stop at Jaafar. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, the family’s patriarch, while Nia Long steps in as matriarch Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller takes on the role of entertainment lawyer John Branca, and Laura Harrier plays music producer Suzanne de Passe.
Fans of Motown and pop history will be intrigued by Kat Graham as Diana Ross and Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.
Also Read: When Manish Malhotra styled Michael Jackson in just one day!
Even the Jackson siblings get their moment: Jamal R Henderson is Jermaine, Tre’ Horton plays Marlon, Rhyan Hill embodies Tito, Joseph David-Jones takes on Jackie, and Jessica Sula portrays La Toya.
The young Michael Jackson of Jackson 5 fame is played by Juliano Valdi.
Beyond the music: The story of ‘Michael’
According to the official synopsis, ‘Michael’ is a deep dive into the man behind the sequins. The film traces his journey from the discovery of his prodigious talent to his rise as creative visionary obsessed with perfection.
Fans will get a look at both the glitz and the challenges that shaped his life, with some of his most iconic early solo performances recreated for the big screen.
A biopic backed by the Jackson estate
The Jackson estate has given its stamp of approval ensuring the film stays true to the family’s perspective on Michael’s life. Produced by Lionsgate and GK Films, the project aims to honour the legacy of one of music’s most influential figures. And this gives audiences an unprecedented look at the man behind the legend.
Mark your calendars, pop lovers. ‘Michael’ hits theaters on April 24.