Prince Jackson said he experienced an emotional shock while watching his cousin, Jaafar Jackson, portray Michael Jackson in the biopic "Michael".
The reaction highlights the personal weight of the production for the family, as Prince Jackson served as an executive producer [3] for the project. The film aims to capture the legacy of the late star through a close relative's performance.
The emotional experience peaked during the premiere on April 20, 2026 [1], held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California [2]. Prince Jackson said the transformation of his cousin was surreal and moving.
According to Prince Jackson, the combination of hair and makeup used to recreate his father's appearance triggered a strong visceral response. He said, "He brought me back. Seeing Jaafar in the hair and makeup as my dad was an emotional shock."
Maintaining composure during the event proved difficult for the eldest son of the late pop star. He said, "It was difficult to maintain and keep composure because I really just wanted to give him a hug in that moment."
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, was cast to embody the singer's iconic presence and performances. Prince Jackson said the experience of seeing his cousin transform into his father brought back memories and emotions tied to the singer's legacy.
“"Seeing Jaafar in the hair and makeup as my dad was an emotional shock."”
The casting of Jaafar Jackson represents a strategic move to prioritize familial authenticity in the portrayal of Michael Jackson's life. By involving Prince Jackson as an executive producer, the production sought a level of family endorsement and emotional accuracy that is often missing from celebrity biopics, potentially mitigating criticism regarding the film's depiction of the star's private life.
