Michael Jackson is heading back to movie theatres — this time through the performance of his own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who proudly carries Colombian roots through his mother. The highly anticipated biopic Michael will premiere on April 24, 2026, promising an intimate, authorized, and cinematic retelling of the King of Pop’s life.

The film, produced by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures, is fully backed by the Jackson family. Directed by Antoine Fuqua — known for Training Day and Emancipation — the movie aims to deliver a portrayal that is “honest, human, and powerful,” capturing both the brilliance and complexity of one of music’s most influential figures.

A Jackson With Colombian Roots Steps Into the Spotlight

Jaafar Jackson was born July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, the son of Jermaine Jackson (of The Jackson 5) and Alejandra Oaziaza Martinez, a Colombian woman from Bogotá. Although raised in the U.S., Jaafar has often spoken with pride about his Latin heritage, calling himself “half Colombian” and expressing his desire to spend more time in the country that shaped his mother’s life.

At 29, Jaafar is set to make his acting debut — but he’s no stranger to performing. He is already a talented singer and dancer with a style influenced by soul, pop, and R&B. Fans have been stunned by his uncanny resemblance to his uncle, physically and artistically, something that becomes even more striking in the film’s first trailer.

Within hours of its release on November 6, 2025, the trailer surpassed 300,000 views, as viewers praised the authenticity of Jaafar’s portrayal and celebrated the representation of Colombian heritage in a global production.

Inside the Biopic: A $120M Look at the Life of a Legend

Michael will take audiences through the full arc of Jackson’s life — from his beginnings in Gary, Indiana to his meteoric rise as a global superstar. With an estimated US$120 million budget, the production promises meticulous detail, including:

• Key moments with producer Quincy Jones

• Recreation of historic performances

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses at his creative evolution

• A deeper look into the man behind the icon

The film will be released in both theatres and IMAX, setting the stage for what’s expected to be one of the largest musical biopics of the decade.

A Win for Representation — and a Big Moment for Colombia

Jaafar’s casting has sparked excitement not only in Hollywood but also across Latin America, especially in Colombia. Many see his role as a point of cultural pride: a reminder that Latino talent continues to shape global entertainment in unexpected and historic ways.

And in 2026, it will be a Colombian-American Jackson reviving one of music’s most legendary stories on the world’s biggest screens.

Watch the film’s first trailer below