From young unknowns to Oscar-nominated actors: A closer look at the cast of Michael and their real life counterparts

The first look at Michael is finally here.The Michael Jackson biopic is due to hit cinemas in late April, and a new trailer has provided a good look at the cast playing the real-life people from his life – from the young actors taking on a childhood Michael to the stars stepping into the role of his parents Joe and KatherineThe legendary musician nephew has even landed a role in the long-awaited movie.Watch the video above.Jaafar Jackson, will play a young Michael in the biopic, something the director feels honoured to be able to bring to the screen."It's incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life," director Antoine Fuqua told Variety in 2023."There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera."READ MORE: Abbie Chatfield's boyfriend receiving death threatsREAD MORE: The Kid LAROI reveals why he scrapped entire albumREAD MORE: All the behind-the-scenes moments from the GrammysHere's the actors taking on roles in the biopic, and some side-by-side comparisons to their real life counterparts.Juliano Krue ValdiJuliano Krue Valdi landed the role of young Michael in January 2024.The biopic will cover the music legend's rise to fame alongside his brothers in the Jackson 5. "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?" Fuqua said of Valdi's casting."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."This is also going to be Valdi's first feature film role, although he has made appearances on some TV shows.Jaafar JacksonIt does seem fitting that a family member will play a part in telling Michael's story, with his nephew portraying another young version of him.Jaafar landed the role after a worldwide casting search, and producer Graham King said it was clear he was the only one for the role.King was "blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael" and was "beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle."Despite a long history with singing and dancing, this will be his acting debut. The Jackson 5Valdi joins Judah Edwards, Jayden Harville, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre in portraying the younger versions of the Jackson 5 during their rise to fame.Rhyan Hill will play Tito Jackson in his later years, Tre Horton will play Marlon in his later years, Joseph David-Jones will play an older Jackie Jackson, and Jamal R. Henderson will play an older Jermaine Jackson.Colman Domingo Oscar nominee Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson.King said the actor "has such incredible range" and is "grateful to be working" with him on the project.Domingo has previously starred in Euphoria, which he won an Emmy for, and the biographical drama Rustin, which earned him an Oscar nod. Nia LongAlongside Colman is Nia Long, who will play the Jackson family matriarch, Katherine."It was a huge responsibility to represent a woman who is iconic, who has carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, who is still with us gracefully," Long told People in 2024."And I am hoping that I delivered because one never knows. I just put in the work and tried to do my best. It was an opportunity of a lifetime."Miles TellerMiles Teller will play John Branca, who became Michael's manager after Joe and was instrumental in helping launch his early career as a solo artist.Branca was working with Jackson around the time of the release of Thriller and the real Branca is also producing the biopic with John McClain, as the co-executors of Jackson's estate.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.