- This event has passed.
Film: “MICHAEL”
April 18, 2024
Worldwide audiences received their first look at Jaafar Jackson in performance as Michael Jackson, bringing to life the “Man in the Mirror” from the legendary 1992-1993 Dangerous Tour. The iconic photo, captured by renowned photographer Kevin Mazur, was released by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, the studios behind the much-anticipated April 18, 2025 film “Michael.”
The choice to have Mazur capture the first-look photograph of Jaafar Jackson is as intentional as so many of the artistic choices the producers have made. As one of the photographers who documented Michael over many years, Mazur captured rehearsals as he prepared to entertain the world with his “This Is It” concerts. He is now also the first to photograph Jaafar Jackson in character as Michael.
“When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson,” said Mazur. “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live
during his lifetime – this is how it was.”
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said producer Graham King. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Director Antoine Fuqua added, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have slated the worldwide release for April 18th, 2025. The film is now in production.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will be introduced to worldwide audiences in the starring role of the beloved musical icon. Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer films) will direct the film with Oscar® winner Graham King/GK Films (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Aviator, The Departed) producing, from a script by three-time Oscar® nominee John Logan.
Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.
Michael is produced by King and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain. Lionsgate is distributing the film domestically, while Universal Pictures International will handle all territories apart from Japan, which Lionsgate will oversee.
About Lionsgate:
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio
operations aligned with the STARZ premium subscription platform to bring a unique and varied
portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television,
subscription, and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 20,000+ title library and
a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its
entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with
bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.
About GK Films:
GK Films is one of the foremost creative forces in both major motion pictures and independent
features. Helmed by Academy Award-winning producer, Graham King, the company has
produced and executive produced more than 45 films, grossing over $1.8 billion at the domestic
box office and over $4.6 billion worldwide. Heralded by critics and film groups, GK Films’ projects
have been nominated for 71Academy Awards, 42 Golden Globe Awards and 66 British Academy
Film Awards, among other accolades. The company produced the 2018 global phenomenon
“Bohemian Rhapsody”, which earned star Rami Malek an Oscar® for his jaw-dropping portrayal
of Freddie Mercury and is the second highest grossing musical biopic of all time. Previous GK
Films projects include Martin Scorsese’s 2006 crime drama, THE DEPARTED, which
garnered King the Best Picture Academy Award as a producer. Additionally, GK Films produced
the critically acclaimed films WORLD WAR Z, ARGO, HUGO, RANGO, THE TOWN and TOMB
RAIDER, as well as TRAFFIC, THE AVIATOR, GANGS OF NEW YORK, ALI and BLOOD DIAMOND. Up
next, the company is producing the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic MICHAEL and is in
development on the story of the Bee Gees for the big screen.