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Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar looks exactly like late star as actor recreates Thriller music video for biopic
Plus, what made Jaafar a no-brainer to be cast in the role and the tragic details of Michael's death
JAAFAR Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, looks just like his late uncle in new behind-the-scenes shots for the pop icon's biopic.
The son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oiaza will play Michael in Antoine Fuqua's upcoming film.
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Jaafar, 27, was most recently spotted wearing his uncle's iconic look from the 1982 music video for his smash hit, Thriller.
While filming the scene, the singer looked exactly like his late uncle, rocking the exact same outfit and mullet hairstyle as Michael did at the time.
The look consisted of a red leather jacket with black linear accents and matching red pants.
He also wore white socks and black loafers, which was a signature look for the King of Pop.
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With the uncanny resemblance to Michael, Jaafar seemed ready and eager to pay homage to his uncle's unmatched legacy.
At the age of six, Michael began his career as part of the Jackson 5 alongside his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon.
After embarking on a successful solo career, Michael received 13 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Legend Award, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The pop legend died in 2009 from acute propofol intoxication at the age of 50.
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His upcoming biographical musical drama, Michael, is set to be released in 2025.
CASTING THE BIOPIC
Alongside his nephew, the film also stars Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, and Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson.
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Last year, the film's producer, Graham King, opened up about the decision to cast Jaafar as the lead role of Michael.
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” he told Variety.
“It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.
"I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”
After news of the casting dropped, Jaafar shared an Instagram post of him in character while rehearsing some of Michael's iconic dance moves.
"I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon," he wrote in the caption.
MICHAEL'S DEATH
Michael died on June 25, 2009, at 2.26 pm after rehearsing past midnight for a series of comeback concerts the night before.
He died of an overdose of drugs, namely propofol and lorazepam.
The dancer's physician, Conrad Murray, found the singer not breathing while lying in bed inside his Holmby Hills, Los Angeles home.
Conrad had attempted to revive Michael before calling paramedics, who performed CPR on him for nearly 45 minutes before bringing him to the hospital.
Michael was pronounced dead an hour after arriving at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre.
Shortly after, the singer's family released a statement that read, "Our beloved son, brother, uncle and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon.
“It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times," it continued.
The LA County Coroner concluded that Michael's death was a homicide.
In 2011, Conrad was sentenced to four years in county jail for involuntary manslaughter.
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He had reportedly given Michael propofol ahead of his 2009 tour as a way to combat his insomnia.
The physician served two years of his sentence.
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