From L: Kat Graham, Jessica Sula, Liv Symone and Kendrick Sampson.Photo:Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; John Lamparski/WireImage; Patrick Marcigliano; Paras Griffin/Getty
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; John Lamparski/WireImage; Patrick Marcigliano; Paras Griffin/Getty
More of theMichaelactor lineup has been revealed.
On Monday, Lionsgate announced that the cast of the upcomingMichael Jacksonbiopic will also includeKat GrahamasDiana Ross, Jessica Sula asLa Toya Jackson, Liv Symone asGladys KnightandKendrick SampsonasQuincy Jones.
KeiLyn Durrel Jones is tapped to play Billy Bray,Jackson 5security turned the King of Pop’s longtime security, with Kevin Schnick asAmerican BandstandhostDick Clark.
The six new faces join previously announced cast membersJaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew who will star as the late singer, withJuliano Krue Valdias a young Michael, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill asTito Jackson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson, Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson asJermaine Jackson(who is Jaafar’s father) andMiles Telleras John Branca.
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From L: Diana Ross, La Toya Jackson, Gladys Knight and Quincy Jones.Lester Cohen/Getty Images; Al Pereira/Getty; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty(2); Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Lester Cohen/Getty Images; Al Pereira/Getty; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty(2); Ron Galella Collection via Getty
In January 2023, it was announced thatLionsgate was working on a filmabout the"Thriller"hitmaker, which will simply be titledMichael.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life,” directorAntoine Fuquasaid in a statement toVarietythat month. “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
This past February, Fuqua, 58, said in a statement that 27-year-old Jaafar’s performance goes “beyond the physical resemblance” between him and his late uncle.
“It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it,” the filmmaker added.
From L: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson inMichael(2025); Michael Jackson performing in London on Aug. 20, 1992.Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate; Pete Still/Redferns
Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate; Pete Still/Redferns
“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," added King, 62. “I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”
ThoughMichaelwill mark his acting debut, Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He has been singing and dancing since age 12, according toDeadline.
Jaafar also previously appeared in a number of family-oriented projects over the years, including 2015’sThe Jacksons: Next Generationand Tito’s 2021 music video"Love One Another.”
Michaelis in theaters April 18, 2025.
source: people.com
