Jaafar Jackson has reflected on his memories of spending time with his uncle, Michael Jackson, ahead of the release of the biopic where he’ll play the late pop superstar.
Michael, from director Antoine Fuqua, is set to be released April 24. Teasers for the film have already featured Jaafar replicating his uncle’s famous dance moves, speaking in his high-pitched voice, and even doing his signature “hee-hee” vocalization.
In a new interview on Today, Jaafar said he’d worked hard to prove himself worthy of taking on the high-pressure role in his film debut.
“It was a process that I really had to earn, and it really proved to the filmmakers and myself and my family that I can get to that point where I can pull it off,” said the 29-year-old.
Jaafar was just 12 years old when Michael died on June 25, 2009, but he says he has fond memories of spending time with his uncle.
“I remember just growing up, and we would have family time,” he said. “Michael would come over to where I was growing up ... and we’d have some some days where we’d all get together, play family game day.
“We’d have wonderful times at Neverland and just playing hide-and-go-seek, getting as much candy, going on rides, watching movies. It was all fun.”
As to how he’s feeling ahead of the release of the film, Jaafar added: “There's definitely a responsibility that you feel going into something this big, and the scope, and to tell it in a cinematic way.
“There's so many moments that I wanted to nail and make sure I had the true essence and that feeling. I had to feel it to make sure I believed in it, first.”
In a previous statement, Michael’s producers said: “The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
“Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.”
Besides the lead, Colman Domingo will be playing Jackson’s father with Nia Long as his mother. The cast also includes Miles Teller as Jackson’s attorney, Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.
