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.”
I – Word Understanding
Biopic – a movie about a person’s life
Humbled – to become not proud; not arrogant
Estate – money and property owned by a person or organization
II – Have Your Say
1, Which Michael Jackson songs are memorable to you? Why?
2, What are the things that you remember about Michael Jackson? And what do you think made him a great artist?
3, Whose life story would you like to see portrayed in a movie?
