Marlon Jackson is proudly standing behind his nephew Jaafar Jackson as anticipation builds for the upcoming biopic “Michael.”
Speaking at the film’s world premiere in Berlin on March 10, Marlon didn’t hold back when it came to praising Jaafar’s transformation into the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
“First of all, let me say one thing,” Marlon shared with Entertainment Tonight. “I say this every time I speak of this movie: Jaafar is unbelievable.”
Marlon Praises His Nephew
For Marlon, the performance feels especially personal—not just because of family ties, but because he spent decades alongside his brother.
That close connection made Jaafar’s portrayal all the more striking.
“As a matter of fact, I think he’s the only one that could have done this,” he continued. “I’m watching the movie and sometimes I’m thinking I’m watching Michael up there, and I forget ‘Oh, it’s Jaafar.’”
That level of authenticity didn’t go unnoticed by Marlon, who emphasized just how rare it is to capture Michael’s presence.
“I’ve been on the side of Michael for umpteen years, so I know—Jaafar is damn good,” he added. “This is special. It’s a special moment.”
The film traces Michael Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana, through his meteoric rise as a solo artist in the late 20th century.
Marlon reflected on those beginnings, recalling the family’s relentless work ethic.
“The work that we put in with Gary, Indiana, with my mother and my father rehearsing us over and over… the Jackson 5 being the foundation,” he said. “And then Michael did his solo stuff and took it to another level. And I gotta say, he’s down smiling.”
Jafar Speaks About Playing Michael Jackson
Behind the scenes, the project is deeply rooted in family involvement.
Alongside Marlon, several Jackson family members—including Jermaine Jackson and Michael’s son Prince Jackson—serve as executive producers, ensuring the story stays true to its legacy.
For Jaafar, stepping into such an iconic role came with both pressure and pride.
Reflecting on the experience, he described it as deeply meaningful.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime,” he said while speaking with Vogue. “Definitely an experience I’ll never forget.”
To prepare, Jaafar immersed himself fully in his uncle’s life and artistry.
While he had personal memories of Michael growing up, he knew he needed to go deeper—especially when it came to the early years.
“It was important for me to start at the roots from the very beginning,” he explained, noting the extensive research he undertook.
From studying archival footage to listening closely to Michael’s music and reading his personal writings, Jaafar committed himself to capturing the essence of a global icon.
With strong family backing and early praise already pouring in, Michael is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated biopics in recent years.
