Jafar Jackson is "humbled and honored" after being selected to play his uncle in a new movie set to begin shooting later this year.
The producers of Michael Jackson's new biopic have cast his nephew in the role of the deceased pop singer after a "global search."
Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King said Jafar Jackson, whose father was Jermaine Jackson, has a natural ability to imitate and bring his uncle to life.
Michael Jackson's official account tweeted:
"Have you heard the news? Michael's nephew Jafar has been confirmed to play Michael in the upcoming King of Pop biopic!"
Lionsgate Studios said the biopic, titled Michael, "explores the complicated man who became the king of pop." The film will feature "every facet" of his life and some of his most notable performances on his path to becoming a music icon," the statement said.
Lionsgate didn't directly address one of the most controversial aspects of Jackson's story, namely the 2005 child abuse trial and additional allegations against the singer that were featured in the 2019 documentary He Neverland.
In 2005, a California jury acquitted Jackson of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy.
The 2019 documentary followed reports from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who were friends with Jackson in the early 1990s and claimed to have been sexually abused by him when they were 7 and 10, respectively.
In an Instagram post Jackson, 26, wrote: "I'm humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael's story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I'll see you soon."
Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, while preparing for his comeback tour This Is It.
