Jaafar Jackson, left, pictured at an event in Beverly Hills in 2014, has been cast to play his uncle, the late Michael Jackson, right, pictured in Los Angeles in 1983.
Jaafar Jackson, left, pictured at an event in Beverly Hills in 2014, has been cast to play his uncle, the late Michael Jackson, right, pictured in Los Angeles in 1983.
Getty Images
CNN — 

Michael Jackson will be portrayed by his 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar, in a 

movie biopic about the late pop star, studio Lionsgate announced Monday. 

Jaafar, son of Jermaine Jackson, said on Twitter that he was “humbled and honored”

 to bring his uncle’s story to life.

The movie, titled “Michael,” is being made with the cooperation of Jackson’s family

 and estate, offering “audiences an in-depth portrayal of the man and our brother

 who became the King of Pop,” said a Jackson family statement in February last year

Production of the film – set to be directed by Antoine Fuqua, produced by “Bohemian 

Rhapsody’s” Graham King and written by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan 

– will begin this year. 

King conducted a “worldwide search” for the role, he said in a statement, and “was 

blown away by the way he [Jaafar] organically personifies the spirit and personality 

of Michael.”

“It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role. 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,” King added.

The Jackson family voiced their support for the production’s casting choice, and 

Michael’s son, Prince, said that Jaafar “embodies” so much of his father.

“Truthfully I couldn’t be happier and prouder for him, he’s been working his ass off

 and I know he’s going to do an amazing job,” Prince wrote on Instagram. “I’m 

confident we are all going to do our best to show the world a part of my father they’ve

 never seen and that they deserve to see.” 

Jackson was known as the "King of Pop."
Jackson was known as the "King of Pop." 
FRANCIS Sylvain/AFP/Getty Images

Jackson, whose hits include “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Billie Jean,” died in

 2009 aged 50. 

But his legacy has been tainted by a series of child sexual abuse allegations and a

 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which featured two men who claimed 

Jackson sexually abused them over a period of several years when they were children.

Jackson’s family and estate refute the allegations and point to previous sworn

 testimonies by the subjects of the film that Jackson did not abuse them.