January 20th 2024.
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic has finally revealed the actor who will portray the King of Pop during his early years with the Jackson 5. Aptly named "Michael," the film will take audiences on a journey through Jackson's rise to fame, from his days as a young member of the Jackson Five to his iconic status as a solo artist.
In a first look at the movie, we see that Jermaine Jackson's son, Jaafar, will be stepping into the shoes of his uncle, Michael. The 27-year-old posted a black and white photo on his Instagram, dressed in costume as the adult version of the "Bad" hitmaker. He is seen striking a familiar and iconic dance move, standing on his tiptoes.
But Jaafar is not the only one chosen to bring the young Michael Jackson to life on the big screen. Nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi has been cast to play the role of young Michael, singing some of his most iconic hits such as "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." Valdi, who has been performing as Jackson in New York for years, shared his excitement for this role, saying "This opportunity is really important to me because Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and he is very special in my heart. I've been dancing to his songs for five years now. He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson."
With an impressive following on social media, Valdi is known for his accurate costumes and flawless dance moves, including the iconic moonwalk. The biopic, distributed by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, is set to release worldwide on April 18, 2025, and will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his work on "Training Day" and "The Equalizer" films.
Graham King, the producer of the film, has high hopes for the project, especially after the success of his previous biopic, "Bohemian Rhapsody." He shared, "When Michael was very young – eleven years old – he astounded the world, possessing the spirit and talent of an adult. He was truly an old soul. He and Juliano have that in common." King continued, "Beyond being a phenomenal young talent, Juliano is deeply inspired by Michael and his music, and has managed to translate that inspiration into a presence and performance that captures the true magic of young Michael Jackson."
The film will not only focus on Jackson's rise to fame but also delve into his personal struggles and triumphs. Director Fuqua shared, "If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived? In the end, that was our focus – talent – and we looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael's spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano's undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list."
Principle photography for the biopic is set to begin shortly, with a release date of April 16, 2025. Fans can expect an honest and raw portrayal of the superstar, showcasing both his successes on stage and his personal struggles. The film will be a must-see for any Michael Jackson fan, and we can't wait to see the talented cast bring his story to life on the big screen.
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In other news, musician Mark Ronson has come to the defense of the Amy Winehouse biopic, "Back to Black," after fans expressed their disgust with the film. And for all the older Mean Girls fans out there, it's time to leave your baggage at the door and enjoy the new film without any preconceived notions.
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