Jaafar Jackson reveals emotional layers of uncle Michael through biopic

Jaafar Jackson is on a mission to show fans a side of Michael Jackson they’ve never seen before.

The 27-year-old singer and actor, who plays his late uncle in the highly anticipated biopic, told Interview magazine that he hopes the film will reveal the quieter, emotional layers behind the King of Pop’s iconic persona. 

“I’m most excited about people getting to understand Michael from a point of view they haven’t seen before, to feel the quiet moments,” he said. 

“A lot of people know the iconic moments, but there’s a whole emotional layer that hasn’t really been seen.”

Jaafar, who had never acted before, kept his casting a secret from his family for a whole year, including his mum. 

When she finally saw him on-screen, the reaction was emotional. 

“It blew her away. It was hard for her to connect it to me,” he admitted.

To prepare, Jaafar moved back into Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family home where he grew up, creating a research room and training in the very dance studio where Michael once rehearsed. 

He even slept in different rooms to “feel the energy” of the house. 

Access to Michael’s personal journals, poems, and affirmations was also crucial. 

“That was a breaking point for me,” he said. 

“I started applying affirmations on walls and mirrors.”

Meanwhile, cousin TJ Jackson has revealed the family’s aim to reframe the narrative around the controversial abuse allegations that have lingered since Michael’s death. 

“It’s awful, very sad, and in a way disgusting because negativity sells,” he told the Daily Mirror. 

“My uncle is no longer here to defend himself… but I truly believe truth always wins out.”

With Jaafar stepping into the King of Pop’s shoes, fans can finally hope to see Michael Jackson as they’ve never seen him before.

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