First photo From Michael Jackson Biopic: Lionsgate and Universal have released the first Photo from “Michael,” Antoine Fuqua’s biographical film about Michael Jackson, scheduled to premiere in theaters in 2025.
The image depicts Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, portraying the King of Pop during a performance of “Man in the Mirror” from the renowned Dangerous World Tour of 1992-93.
The photograph was taken by Kevin Mazur, known for capturing moments from Michael Jackson’s tours during the 1980s and 1990s, including rehearsals for his “This Is It” concerts.
“When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson,” Mazur shared. “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything – he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime, this is how it was.”
The film’s producer, Graham King, remarked, “With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
First photo From Michael Jackson Biopic: Fuqua remarked, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair & makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it.”
“Michael” is set to debut in theaters on April 18, 2025. The film is produced by Oscar winner Graham King of GK Films, known for his work on “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “The Aviator,” and “The Departed,” and is based on a script by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan. Additionally, the movie is produced by John Branca and John McClain, who serve as co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Lionsgate will handle distribution in the United States and Japan, while Universal Pictures will distribute the film in all other international territories.
