Jaafar Jackson is making his late uncle, Michael Jackson, proud.
The actor took to Instagram on Friday (Jan. 19) to share a photo performing the “Thriller” singer’s famous toe-stand pose. “The Journey Starts Monday,” he captioned the post, indicating that filming for the upcoming Michael biopic begins filming next week. In the film, Jafaar is set to portray his famous uncle.
The film will take on the musician’s life and career and will be produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) and John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. There is no information yet surrounding release date and how much of Michael’s life the biopic will dive into.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said Katherine Jackson, mother of Michael Jackson, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
In a career that spanned throughout almost his entire life, the King of Pop had 13 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. He first saw success as part of the family band the Jackson 5, and four of their songs topped the Hot 100.
Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at age 50.
