The story of the King of Pop comes to the big screen.
TO michael jackson biographical film, simply titled Miguelis starting production and casting the famous faces who will play the important characters surrounding the iconic and complicated performer.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by Oscar nominee John Logan and produced by the team behind Bohemian Rhapsody, Miguel will star Jackson's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the titular artist, and a host of Hollywood heavyweights as his friends and family.
“I am humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael's story to life,” Jaafar said on Instagram, posting the first photo of him rehearsing his uncle's legendary dance moves. “To all the fans around the world, see you soon.”
In February 2024, producer Graham King announced that the film had cast eight actors to play the other four members of the Jackson 5, both younger and older versions of each brother. Since then, other casting announcements, including that of White men can't jump star Laura Harrier – have been shared for the film.
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” King said in a statement at the time. “I am thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to audiences around the world in this film.”
A press release about the film says: “Miguel will give audiences a fascinating and honest portrait of the brilliant but 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 in his most iconic performances. “Like never before, audiences will experience an inside look at one of the most influential and pioneering artists the world has ever known.”
Here's a look at everyone who's been chosen. Miguel until now:
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
The 27-year-old actor will be making his film debut stepping into some big (and gravity-defying) shoes, but it appears to be a role he was born to play.
In an interview with E.W., Fuqua said he was “impressed” by Jaafar's portrayal of his uncle. “It's amazing how much he looks like Michael. He sounds like him, he dances like him, he sings like him. It's really amazing,” he said.
Juliano Krue Valdi will also play a younger version of Michael.
Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson
Harville makes his film debut as young Jermaine in Miguelafter previous performances in children's commercials and on Nickelodeon and Disney Jr.
Henderson, for her part, began her career as a model before moving to television, in the Netflix series. mind hunterand cinema, as the protagonist of the BET feature film South central love.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson
Hunter broke into theater playing young Simba in the national Broadway tour of The Lion King from 2021-23. He also has a lot of experience in his Miguel role, having played young Marlon (and understudy Young Michael) in the first national tour of MJ: The musical.
Horton also comes primarily from theater, having previously played Luke in Amen Rincon, Ritchie in A chorus line, and Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, as well as numerous television and film productions.
Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson
Edwards can be seen in the Hulu mystery series. holy x and heard in voice acting roles on Netflix THERE IS A TWIST and Dee and her friends in Oz, and Nickelodeon Blaze and the Monster Machines.
Hill is perhaps best known for his role as Devontae on BET+. The Michael Blackson Show and in appearances in Grey's Anatomy and lovecraft country, however, he is also an accomplished dancer. The talented artist had a featured performance in Childish Gambino's iconic “This Is America” music video and also shared the stage with artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, BeBe Rexha and MC Hammer.
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson
McIntyre is another of the cast's many scripts as a model and actor, as he starred in the OWN series. David makes the man, the disney movie+ magic camp and the Netflix original feature Barry, in addition to multiple national advertising campaigns. He also played Young Simba in the tour of The Lion King before continuing the role on Broadway.
David-Jones has appeared on television as Connor Hawke, also known as The Green Arrow on The CW. Arrow and legends of tomorrow, and can be seen below in the next reinvention of the chain The 4400. In film, the actor had a co-starring role in The Divergent series: Loyal, and also appeared in detroit and Romano J. Israel, Esq.
Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
The Emmy winner and recent Oscar nominee will play the mercurial patriarch of the Jackson family, a complicated character who was undoubtedly instrumental in shaping who his talented son grew up to be.
In a press release announcing his castingDomingo expressed his excitement at being part of a film that delves into the soul of the iconic King of Pop and his profound impact on music and culture worldwide.
“Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to play in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front-row seat to see Jaafar's incredible transformation,” he said. “There is something divine about the way Jaafar channels his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael's essence is simply on another level.”
Producer Graham King praised Domingo's screen presence and strength of will, saying: “Few actors come along with Colman's undeniable talent. We are very fortunate to have an actor of his undeniable talent playing Joe Jackson on screen. “We couldn't be more excited.” “Let him join us on this journey.”
Fuqua also praised Domingo's “incredible range” as an actor and expressed gratitude for working with an actor with the passion and ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: husband, father and manager.
Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
The actress will play the mother of Jackson and his eight siblings, who later served as guardian to Jackson's three children following his death in 2009.
Long commented on joining the cast in a press release, stating, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace to the entire Jackson family.”
“As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control, but still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure,” Long said of Katherine, now 93. “I feel honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson's story. With audiences everywhere.”
Miles Teller as John Branca
He Top Gun: Maverick star joined the Miguel Cast as John Branca, the powerful entertainment lawyer who began managing Jackson after Jackson fired his father from the role. He was instrumental in bringing the King of Pop's career to the superstar level he reached in the 1980s, and worked with him until his death, later serving as co-executor of Jackson's estate.
“Miles has a compelling screen presence, whom I have admired since seeing him in Lash. He is the perfect actor to capture John's enigmatic personality,” producer Graham King said in a press release. “From our early development conversations, it became clear the emotional connection John still has with Michael. “He graciously allowed us to use him as a character in the film, and I'm thrilled that it's Miles who will portray a relationship that spanned three decades, through Michael's greatest triumphs and most difficult days.”
Fuqua added: “Miles's finely honed acting skills are up to the challenge of playing a man who is being scrutinized for the pivotal role he played in Michael Jackson's life. He is the perfect actor to disappear into the role of John Branca.”
Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
Spider-Man's Homecoming Star Laura Harrier is the latest addition to the cast of the highly anticipated biopic, playing the role of Suzanne de Passe, a trusted confidant and friend who was instrumental in helping launch the Jackson 5's music career.
“Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a creative assistant to Berry Gordy at Motown, who is credited with convincing Gordy to sign the Jackson 5 to the label,” a Lionsgate rep told ET. “She later played a pivotal role in bringing Motown to television. De Passe worked closely with Michael Jackson from her childhood, supporting him as a teacher and mentor, helping him navigate the music business.”
On Wednesday, the 33-year-old actress confirmed her role and discussed casting news, sharing her excitement about joining. Miguel in the role of businesswoman and music producer.
“I feel very honored to be a part of this thanks to the icon Suzanne de Passe for seeing herself in me. thank you @antoinefuqua for his guidance and leadership. “So excited ahhhhhh!!!” she wrote.
Miguel Its launch is scheduled for April 18, 2025.
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