The Michael Jackson biopic is already shaping up to be a global phenomenon, racing toward becoming the highest-grossing music biopic of all time. In less than ten days in cinemas, the film has surged past Elvis to become the second-highest-grossing entry in the genre, crossing the $400 million mark worldwide with remarkable speed. Its momentum shows no signs of slowing, with projections suggesting it could soon claim the top spot globally.
At the centre of the film is Jaafar Jackson, who takes on the daunting role of portraying his legendary uncle in his acting debut. Speaking with JustWatch, the 29-year-old reflected on both the excitement and the weight of stepping into one of the most iconic figures in music history.
According to a statement from the film’s producers, the project aims to go beyond the spotlight: “The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.”
For Jaafar, the role is deeply personal. He was just 12 years old when Michael died on June 25, 2009, but he recalls vivid memories of time spent together growing up.
“I remember just growing up, and we would have family time,” he told Today. “Michael would come over to where I was growing up, and we’d have days where we’d all get together, play family game day. We’d have wonderful times at Neverland — playing hide-and-seek, getting as much candy, going on rides, and watching movies. It was all fun.”
Speaking about the film’s release, Jaafar acknowledged the scale of the challenge. “There’s definitely a responsibility that you feel going into something this big, and the scope, and to tell it in a cinematic way,” he said.
But behind that excitement lies a deeper pressure. In interviews, Jaafar has been candid about his biggest fear: not the performance itself, but whether he could authentically capture the essence of Michael Jackson. Portraying a figure so globally recognised and closely studied comes with intense scrutiny. Every movement, vocal nuance, and expression carries expectations from audiences who know the King of Pop’s artistry intimately.
“I never acted before, I’m not sure I ever wanted to act,” he admitted to JustWatch. “There was a lot of conflict in me as to whether I could really do it or not.”
Portraying a family member adds another layer of vulnerability, blurring the line between professional performance and personal legacy. Rather than aiming for imitation, Jaafar focused on honouring Michael’s spirit, grounding his performance in emotional truth. That initial uncertainty ultimately became a driving force.
“I then got with an acting coach; I really wanted to learn ‘what is acting?’ and start from there in trying to embody Michael,” he explained. “I did that for about a year.”
His preparation was extensive. Jaafar immersed himself in archival footage, studying Michael’s performances, videos, and lyrics, while also drawing from personal memories shared within the family. Alongside mastering the physical precision that defined Michael’s stage presence, he worked to explore a quieter, more human side of the superstar.
The response suggests that the effort has resonated. While critics have been lukewarm — reflected in a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes — audiences have embraced the film, giving it an impressive 97% approval rating. Much of the praise has been directed at Jaafar’s performance, with viewers noting both its accuracy and emotional depth.
The film’s commercial success reinforces that connection. On Thursday alone, it pulled in $6.6 million, setting a record for the biggest Thursday ever for a music biopic. It outperformed Straight Outta Compton ($4.6 million) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($3.5 million) on their respective first Thursdays. Domestically, it has reached $129.8 million in just eight days, while internationally it has amassed $169.3 million across 82 markets — bringing its global total to $299.1 million by the end of Thursday, a figure that has continued to climb rapidly.
Despite the pressure, Jaafar has embraced the role with a clear sense of purpose. He has described moments on set where he felt a profound connection to his uncle’s legacy, helping to ease his doubts and reinforce his commitment to doing justice to one of the most influential entertainers in history.
As the biopic continues its record-breaking run, it stands as both a commercial triumph and a deeply personal project for its lead actor. Jaafar Jackson’s reflections on fear, responsibility, and legacy highlight the unique challenge of portraying a legend — especially one so close to home. In doing so, he has helped bring a new dimension to Michael Jackson’s story, ensuring that the legacy continues to resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation.
