Skip to content

Jaafar Jackson portrays Michael in new biopic, premiere divides reviews

musicApr 22, 20262230

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, stars as Michael in the new biopic and walked the Los Angeles premiere red carpet. Janet Jackson and Paris Jackson did not attend the Los Angeles premiere amid a family feud, while Prince Jackson attended wearing a black armband. Critics praised Jaafar Jackson's physical resemblance and committed performance but faulted the film's glossy, music-video style and its reluctance to address Michael Jackson's abuse allegations. The mixed reviews and the family's visible absences could hurt the film's awards momentum and audience turnout nationwide.

Key Highlights

Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, portrays Michael and attended the Los Angeles premiere.
Janet Jackson and Paris Jackson skipped the Los Angeles premiere amid a family feud.
Critics praised Jaafar's performance but criticized the film's glossy, music-video approach.
1 source