Jaafar Jackson was spotted on set with Nia Long while filming a possible funeral scene for the Michael biopic
Jaafar Jackson was spotted on the set of his new Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, alongside his on-screen mother, Nia Long.
The 27-year-old actor – the real-life cousin of the late King of Pop (who passed away in 2009 at the age of 50) – was spotted on set in Los Angeles in what appeared to be a funeral scene.
Jaafar – whose “uncanny” resemblance to his uncle impressed director Antoine Fuqua enough to give him the role – was spotted in a white shirt and black tie.
He also wore black high-water pants with white socks and black shoes to complete his look.
Jackson's co-star Nia Long was dressed in a dark blue pantsuit with a matching dark blue bag and a light blue tie.
Jaafar Jackson was spotted on the set of his new Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, alongside his on-screen mother, Nia Long
The 27-year-old actor – the real-life cousin of the late King of Pop (who passed away in 2009 at the age of 50) – was spotted on set in Los Angeles in what appeared to be a funeral scene.
Jaafar – whose 'uncanny' resemblance to his uncle impressed director Antoine Fuqua enough to give him the role – was spotted in a white shirt and black tie
The scene was filmed in a house, with a black Cadillac on set, which could very well be a Cadillac hearse.
While it has not been confirmed if this is a funeral scene, it is worth noting that Jackson's grandfather, Samuel Jackson, passed away in Phoenix in 1993 at the age of 100.
Jafaar Jackson was featured in previously released photos from the King of Pop's Dangerous tour, which lasted from 1992 to 1993, so it's possible this could be Samuel Jackson's funeral scene.
Jaafar will play the adult Michael Jackson, while Juliano Valdi will play the younger MJ who rose to fame as a child in the Jackson 5.
The cast also includes Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, the singer's father, and Miles Teller as John Branca, who served as Michael's manager after he fired his father.
Jaafar makes his acting debut in the film, although his resemblance to his cousin – along with his singing and dancing skills – enhanced the role.
“It's uncanny how much he looks like Michael,” the filmmaker said Entertainment weeklyand added: 'Sounds like him, dances like him, sings.'
'It's really creepy. Graham King, a fantastic producer, found him and introduced him to me, and I was blown away,” the director admitted.
Jaafar is no stranger to entertainment and has been singing and dancing since he was 12.
The scene was filmed in a house, with a black Cadillac on set, which could very well be a Cadillac hearse
While it has not been confirmed if this is a funeral scene, it is worth noting that Jackson's grandfather, Samuel Jackson, passed away in Phoenix in 1993 at the age of 100.
Jaafar Jackson was featured in previously released photos from the King of Pop's Dangerous tour, which lasted from 1992 to 1993, so it's possible this could be Samuel Jackson's funeral scene
Jaafar will play the adult Michael Jackson, while Juliano Valdi will play the younger MJ who rose to fame as a child in the Jackson 5.
The cast also includes Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, the singer's father, and Miles Teller as John Branca, who served as Michael's manager after he fired his father.
He is also the son of Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and Jermaine Jackson – brother of Michael who was also a member of The Jackson 5
Jaafar and Nia hugged while filming a scene together
The shooting in Los Angeles included a scene where Jaafar and Nia were walking together
Jafaar was the spitting image of MJ during filming
The highly anticipated film follows the life of the late pop superstar
Jaafar and Nia were surrounded by crew while filming outside
An umbrella was used to keep Jaafar shielded between scenes
He is also the son of Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and Jermaine Jackson – brother of Michael who was also a member of The Jackson 5.
The film, simply titled Michael, will follow the iconic artist's life and story “as we know it,” Antoine further told the outlet.
The premise will follow not only his lengthy musical career and iconic performances, but also other aspects of his life, such as confronting child abuse allegations in the 1990s and his tragic death in 2009 at the age of 50 from a drug overdose . .
Regarding his “approach” to the biopic, Fuqua said, “Just to tell the facts as we know them, about the artist, about the man, about the human being. You know, the good, the bad and the ugly.”