What was the first film role of Jaafar Jackson in Michael?

Jaafar Jackson’s first film role was Michael Jackson in Michael.

Jaafar Jackson plays his uncle, the singer Michael Jackson, in the 2026 biographical film. The role marked Jaafar’s film debut and required him to portray the older Michael across key stages of the singer’s career.

Jaafar is a member of the Jackson family and the son of Jermaine Jackson. His casting was announced in January 2023 after a reported two-year casting process. Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, publicly approved of the choice.

Jaafar does not play Michael’s father Joe Jackson, Berry Gordy, or attorney John Branca. Those roles belong to Colman Domingo, Larenz Tate, and Miles Teller respectively.