‘Michael’ Biopic Unveils Star-Studded Cast
Michael biopic reveals star-studded cast. Find out who will play the Jackson 5, Joe and Katherine Jackson, and more! We discuss it here!
Michael Jackson arriving at a celebrity event in 1990.
Photo Credit: Vicki L. Miller
By: Josh Martin
One of the most storied journeys in pop culture history is finally getting the big screen treatment it righteously deserves. Directed by African American filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, (Training Day, The Equalizer series) the highly anticipated biopic will chronicle the famed life and legacy of the late great Michael Jackson. From his traumatic upbringing filled with childhood stardom, to his meteoric rise to global supremacy in the music industry. While also touching bases on his difficult adulthood tainted with perplexing sexual molestation allegations.
Unlike the many dramatized takes and non-fictional documentaries already in existence, the acclaimed director has the full support of the Jackson family and plans to fully bring the narrative alive.
The official statement reveals that the film will give audiences an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop.
“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
The first announced cast member Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the Thriller star, will star as his uncle and the most important role in the film.
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael. He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Recently it was revealed that Colman Domingo will portray Michael’s father Joe Jackson with Nia Long standing alongside him as his wife Katherine Jackson.
Michael is set to release next spring on April 18, 2025.
View the confirmed cast listing for the film below:
Jaafar Jackson as Adult Michael Jackson
Colman Domingo As Joe Jackson
Nia Long As Katherine Jackson
Juliano Krue Valdi As Young Michael Jackson
Jayden Harville As Young Jermaine Jackson
Jamal R. Henderson As Adult Jermaine Jackson
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter As Younger Marlon Jackson
Judah Edwards As Young Tito Jackson
Rhyan Hill As Adult Tito Jackson
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre As Younger Jackie Jackson
Joseph David-Jones As Adult Jackie Jackson
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Top 5 Super Bowl Halftime Shows
Usher's Halftime Show at the Super Bowl proves he's an R&B legend, sparking a debate on the best performances ever. We discuss it here!
Prince performed during the halftime show of Super Bowl XLI, which took place at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Florida, United States, featuring the Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears.
Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images
By: Joshua Martin
No less than a mega star is considered to headline the coveted Super Bowl Halftime Show. For most artists, that 13-min time slot is a career high point. What we witnessed Sunday was an R&B legend giving us hit after hit and proving that his name undeniably belongs at the top of the genre. Yes, recency bias is a thing but we can’t deny that Usher’s halftime show was definitely one of the best the event has ever had. Not unfair to say it may be the best.
The easiest way to settle this argument would be with a list of our own. Let's end the debate! Here are our top 5 Super Bowl halftime performances of all time.
5. Rihanna - 2023
Rihanna’s FULL Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show
Rihanna’s performance was memorable for several reasons, most notably of how many bangers the Grammy-winning singer has in her arsenal. “Diamonds,” “Umbrella,” “We Found Love” were just a few of the whopping 12 singles the Barbados-born singer performed. The set was her first live performance in five years up to that point and the revelation of her being pregnant with her second child made the event an overall joyous occasion.
4.J.Lo & Shakira - 2020
Shakira & J. Lo's FULL Pepsi Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show
The dynamic duo of Jennifer Lopez and Shakira didn't disappoint. Filled with LatinX representation and other surprising elements which included rope dancing, cameos from Bad Bunny and J. Balvin, J. Lo’s child singing “Born in the USA” and their stance on immigration, made this one of the more memorable Halftime Shows ever. Shakira’s physical fluidity and J.Lo’s work ethic also gave us that iconic dance off that had the entire world shook.
3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar - 2022
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar & 50 Cent FULL Pepsi SB LVI Halftime Show
This one stands out because it was the first time the halftime show featured an exclusive hip-hop line up that featured some of the genre’s greatest. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, with a surprise appearance by 50 Cent, served up some of their most iconic songs with flair. Mary J. captivated the crowd with her electric performances of “Family Affair” and “No More Drama,” while Dre and Snoop proved their staying power by performing classics such as “The Next Episode” and “California Love.” Kendrick Lamar lit up the stage with “Alright” as the performance ended with a passionate Eminem taking a knee amid the country’s political issues. All in all, the music took center stage and we were able to witness Snoop Dogg crip walk on live television. Iconic!
2. Michael Jackson - 1993
Michael Jackson - Super Bowl XXVII 1993 Halftime Show (Remastered Perfomance)
The King of Pop was definitely in his performer bag at the 1993 Super Bowl. Doubles entered the stadium from each corner before the real Michael Jackson stood up and performed hits like “Jam” and “Billie Jean.” The finale was epic to say the least. Michael sang the single “ Heal the World” while the onlooking audience held cards that created images of children from across the globe. The truly big production also included a video montage of his various humanitarian efforts around the world and a choir of 3,500 local LA kids.
Prince - 2007
Prince - Super Bowl XLI 🏈 | Halftime Sh
This performance has reached mythical status, partly due to the rain and the fact that not even Mother Nature could stop the “The Purple One”. A spirited rendition of “Purple Rain” and an amazing medley of songs that included Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” his hits “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Baby, I’m a Star” all crescendoed into a downpour on his logo-shaped stage. A special appearance of the Florida A&M marching 100 band and his back band the “New Power Generation” was the icing on the cake which was an unforgettable night Prince and those of us who witnessed it.
Unfortunately, the 8 time Grammy winner didn't crack the top 5. Also, Much apologies to the Queen Bee and her fantastic performance in 2013. Reuniting with Destiny’s Child was what the culture needed at the moment.
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Nia Long Set To Play Katherine Jackson In Michael Jackson Biopic
Nia Long is set to star as Katherine Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. We discuss it here!
Nia Long Walks the Red Carpet at The Best Man: Final Chapter Premiere
KEVIN WINTER/GA/THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER VIA GETTY IMAGES
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson movie has found its Katherine Jackson. Best Man star Nia Long has been cast as the mother “Katherine Jackson, the mother of the king of pop. This will be Nia Long’s most prominent role to date.
She will be joining an already top cast, with Oscar Nominee Colman Domingo who will play MJ’s father; the head of the Jackson family Joe Jackson. Also on the cast and the star of the biopic, MJ’s nephew Jaafar Jackson. Nine-year-old actor Juliano Krue Valdi will portray Michael during his younger years with the Jackson five.
Michael died on June 25, 2009 at age 50. In a career that spanned almost his entire life, he had 13 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. He first saw success as part of the family band the Jackson 5, and four of their songs topped the Hot 100. Some that we still sing today.
The news of the casting came down today about Nia Long playing Katherine, and I truly believe it will be the star's breakout role that she has long been looking for in her career. With many roles under her belt. This may be the one to bring awards during next year's award season. The film is being directed by Antonio Fuqua (Emancipation, Training Day). It is set to be released in April 2025.
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