New behind-the-scenes photographs from Michael offer a personal look at Jaafar Jackson’s transformation into his uncle Michael Jackson, captured by someone who watched the process from inside his own family.
The black-and-white images were taken by Jourdynn Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew and Jaafar’s half-brother, during different stages of the biopic’s production. In an Entertainment Weekly exclusive, Jourdynn said producer Graham King gave him access after seeing one of his early photographs of Jaafar rehearsing.
The collection includes Jaafar in character, rehearsal images, moments with director Antoine Fuqua and King, and a Jackson family reunion captured away from the finished scenes. Jourdynn said watching his brother take on their late uncle was a “coming-of-age experience.”
The photographs arrive as Michael moves to streaming following its theatrical run. The biopic begins streaming on Starz on August 10 after becoming the first biographical film to cross $1 billion at the worldwide box office.
Jourdynn Watched Jaafar Become ‘Completely Locked In’ During Rehearsals
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Jourdynn photographed Jaafar throughout different stages of production, but he told Entertainment Weekly that some of his favorite images came from rehearsals and pre-production.
He recalled seeing moments when Jaafar was alone in the room, “completely locked in and giving it everything.” Jourdynn said he had watched his brother study Michael’s artistry since childhood and knew what he was capable of before filming began.
The photographer also credited the work Jaafar put into the performance, telling the publication that none of it would have been possible without his brother’s dedication. “The stars have aligned in some way. So proud,” he said.
One Photograph Captures a Jackson Family Reunion
The collection extends beyond Jaafar’s preparation. One photograph shows Jourdynn’s brother Jermajesty Jackson smiling beside their cousin Prince Jackson, Michael’s eldest child.
Entertainment Weekly described the image as a small family reunion that took place on the set. Another photograph shows Jaafar in character alongside Kendrick Sampson, who portrays producer Quincy Jones in the film. Jourdynn also photographed Jaafar speaking with Fuqua and King.
The First Official Image of Jaafar as Michael Arrived in 2024
A February 2024 People report showed Jaafar performing onstage in a white button-up shirt over a white V-neck with black pants and his hair tied into a low ponytail. Producer Graham King said at the time that Jaafar had captured Michael’s appearance, voice and movement, while Fuqua praised the work of the film’s hair, makeup, costume, cinematography, choreography and lighting teams.
‘Michael’ Heads to Starz After Crossing $1 Billion Worldwide
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael stars Jaafar as Michael Jackson, with Juliano Krue Valdi portraying the singer as a child. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller plays attorney John Branca and Kendrick Sampson appears as Quincy Jones.
The film opened theatrically in April and later crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the first biopic to reach that milestone. The official Starz listing confirms that Michael begins streaming on August 10. Entertainment Weekly also reports that the film is available digitally and on 4K with behind-the-scenes special features.