See the “Michael ”Stars Side-by-Side with the Real People They Play

'Michael' stars Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson as the popstar

NEED TO KNOW

• Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson portrays his late uncle in the biopic Michael
• The film, which arrived in theaters on April 24, also features a younger version of Jackson played by Juliano Valdi
• Jackson’s brothers and members of The Jackson 5 are played by lookalike actors, as well

Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic, has officially hit theaters.

The movie, which premiered on April 24, tells the story of the late pop singer and his various stages of life — from the early days of The Jackson 5 to his famed solo Bad Tour in the 1980s.

Since the movie spans the earlier years of his life, there are two actors playing the Grammy-winning singer. Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, who is the son of Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson, portrayed the older version, while Juliano Valdi starred as his younger self.

"It's incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life," director Antoine Fuqua said in a January 2023 statement to Variety. "There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera."

Jaafar is joined by a handful of other stars, including Colman Domingo and Miles Teller.

Here's a look at the cast of Michael, side-by-side with the real-life people they portray.

01 of 09

Juliano Valdi as Young Michael Jackson

In January 2024, Lionsgate announced that Valdi would portray a young Jackson, as the film covers his rise to fame with his brothers in The Jackson 5. 

“If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived?" Fuqua said of Valdi’s casting. "We looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano’s undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list."

Michael will mark Valdi's first feature film role following appearances on shows such as Bite Size Halloween and Face's Music Party, per his IMDb.

02 of 09

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson

The late singer’s nephew Jaafar plays him in the new movie. He was selected for the role after a worldwide casting search was conducted, after which producer Graham King said, "It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role."

King added that he was "blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael” and was “beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle."

Though Michael will mark his acting debut, Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He has been singing and dancing since age 12, according to Deadline, and previously appeared in a number of family-oriented projects over the years, including 2015's The Jacksons: Next Generation and Tito's 2021 music video "Love One Another."

03 of 09

Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson

Judah Edwards, who previously appeared on Hulu's Saint X, plays a young Tito in the film.

Meanwhile, The Michael Blackson Show actor Rhyan Hill plays Tito in his later years.

04 of 09

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson

Broadway actor Jaylen Lyndon Hunter plays a young Marlon, a role he previously played on the first national tour of MJ: The Musical.

Tre Horton, who has an extensive history in theater and previously appeared on My Enemy Alpha, plays Marlon in his later years.

05 of 09

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson

David Makes Man star Nathaniel Logan McIntyre plays a younger Jackie.

Meanwhile The 4400 star Joseph David-Jones plays Jackie in his later years.

06 of 09

Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson

Jayden Harville is making his film debut in Michael as he plays a younger version of Jermaine.

Taking on the role of Jermaine in his later years is South Central Love star Jamal R. Henderson.

07 of 09

Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson

Oscar-nominated Rustin actor Domingo is set to play Jackson family patriarch Joe.

King said the actor "has such incredible range" and added that he was "grateful to be working" with him on the project.

Domingo has an extensive résumé, having appeared in many notable Broadway shows, TV series and films over the years.

He stars on HBO's Euphoria, which earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, and the biographical drama Rustin, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

08 of 09

Nia Long as Katherine Jackson

Playing the Jackson matriarch Katherine is Nia Long, who called her character "an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family."

"It was a huge responsibility to represent a woman who is iconic, who has carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, who is still with us gracefully," Long told PEOPLE in June 2024. "And I am hoping that I delivered because one never knows. I just put in the work and tried to do my best. It was an opportunity of a lifetime."

Like Domingo, Long has had many notable acting roles to date. She first gained prominence for her roles in Boyz n the Hood and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and is well known for her roles in Friday, The Best Man and Empire.

09 of 09

Miles Teller as John Branca

Teller plays John Branca, who became Jackson's manager after Joe, and was instrumental in helping launch his early career as a solo artist — notably with the release of "Thriller."

Branca also produced the biopic with John McClain as the co-executors of Jackson’s estate.

Teller first rose to fame with his role in the Divergent film trilogy, but gained critical acclaim for his role in Whiplash, which earned him various award nominations.

He garnered worldwide success for his starring role in Top Gun: Maverick alongside Tom Cruise.

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