Inside The Star Cast Of ‘Michael’ From Jaafar Jackson To Colman, Real-Life Characters They Played

Michael, the biopic of the King of Pop, is currently the talk of the town. For the unversed, the film was released on April 24, 2026. The nephew of Michael Jackson,  Jaafar Jackson, played the lead role in the film. The story of Michael follows Michael Jackson’s life and career from 1966 to 1988, focusing on his early days with the pop band, Jackson 5, and his 1980s Bad tour. 

A few days ago, Michael Jackson’s son, Prince, revealed that his entire family is very happy with the response the biopic, Michael, has been receiving from the audience. Prince shared that when he saw Jaafar playing Michael Jackson, he felt very emotional and wanted to give him a hug. Amid the buzz surrounding the biopic, if you are interested in knowing who played what in the film, Michael, then we’ve got you covered.

Jaafar Jackson steps in as Michael Jackson

Jaafar Jackson has been earning huge praise for his role in the biopic, Michael. Jaafar, who is the nephew of the late singer, Michael Jackson, plays him. It is worth mentioning that the makers selected Jaafar as Michael Jackson after a worldwide casting search was conducted. In a behind-the-scenes video, Jaafar shared that he never dreamed of becoming an actor or ever thought of playing his late uncle, Michael Jackson, on-screen. Jaafar mentioned that he really had to earn the role and prove to the makers that he was capable of portraying Michael. Lauding Jaafar, producer, Graham King told The Hollywood Reporter in 2023:

“It was clear that he was the only person to take on this role. I was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael. I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”

Juliano Valdi plays young Jackson in the biopic, Michael

According to his IMDb profile, Juliano Valdi was born on February 2, 2014, in the USA. He plays young Jackson in the newly released biopic, Michael. It is his first feature film. Antoine Fuqua, the director of Michael, said in a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the casting of the child actor was far more difficult than the adult version, as the late singer, Michael, was talented from a very young age. Antoine mentioned that they searched for someone who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, charisma and dancing skills. And finally, the qualities they searched for were all in the young star, Juliano Valdi.

Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Michael Jackson’s older brother, Tito Jackson

For the uninitiated, Tito Jackson was the older brother of Michael Jackson and one of the founding members of the American pop band, Jackson 5, later known as Jacksons. Judah Edwards has stepped in as young Tito in the biopic, Michael and Rhyan Hill portrays Tito in his later years. Judah has also appeared in TV series, Saint X and Dee & Friends in Oz. Rhyan is best known for his role in the TV sitcom, The Michael Blackson Show. He has also appeared in hit series, Grey’s Anatomy and Lovecraft Country.

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton play Michael Jackson’s older brother, Marlon Jackson

For those unaware, Marlon Jackson is one of the nine siblings of Michael Jackson. He is the twin brother, Brandon Jackson, who died shortly after his birth. In the biopic, Michael, the Broadway actor, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter portrays young Marlon and Tre Horton plays Marlon in his later years. Previously, Jaylen played young Marlon on the first national tour of MJ: The Musical. Tre has also appeared in projects, Shoebox, My Enemy Alpha, and 1980.

Nathaniel Logan Mclntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Michael Jackson’s oldest brother, Jackie Jackson

Michael Jackson’s oldest brother, Jackie Jackson, is a founding member of Jacksons and the sole constant member of the pop band. In the film, Michael Nathaniel Logan Mclntyre plays young Jackie, and Joseph David-Jones plays his later years. Previously, Nathaniel played young ‘Simba’ in the musical, The Lion King and is best known for the series, David Makes Man. And Joseph is best known for his roles in Nashville, 4400 and Arrow.

Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as King of Pop’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine Jackson is one of the nine siblings of the King of Pop. In the biopic, Michael, Jayden Harville plays young Jermaine, and Jamal R. Henderson plays his later years. Jayden made his film debut with the biopic, Michael. And Jamal has appeared in projects, South Central Love and Mindhunter.

Colman Domingo as Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson was the father of Michael Jackson and his nine siblings. In the biopic, Colman Domingo plays Jackson family patriarch, Joe. It is worth mentioning that Colman is a renowned actor and won the Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the hit series, Euphoria. He also earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in the biopic, Rustin.

Nia Long plays Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson

Katherine Jackson is the mother of the King of Pop and his nine siblings. In the film, Michael, Nia Long plays Jackson family matriarch, Katherine. In a 2024 interview with People, Nia said that it was a huge responsibility to play Katherine on-screen. She was quoted as saying:

“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. It was an opportunity of a lifetime.”

What are your thoughts on the biopic, Michael? Let us know.

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