*When director Antoine Fuqua sat down with Rich Eisen on his in-studio show in late March 2026, the conversation centered on one of the most anticipated films of the year: “Michael,” the long-awaited biopic about the King of Pop, which hit theaters on April 24, 2026. But the biggest revelation wasn’t about the film’s scale or budget — it was about how an untested actor won the lead role.
Jaafar Jackson: Not Just Nepotism
The most obvious question surrounding the film’s casting has always been: did Jaafar Jackson — nephew of Michael and son of Jermaine Jackson — get the part because of his last name? Fuqua addressed that head-on with Eisen.
“It wasn’t a nepotism pick,” Fuqua said emphatically.
According to the director, Jaafar had no prior acting experience. But during auditions and chemistry reads, something extraordinary happened. Fuqua described watching Jaafar’s performance during one particular session — a moment so powerful that it reportedly brought an entire room to tears.
“He had a deep spiritual and physical connection to his uncle,” Fuqua explained. “The mannerisms, the voice, the energy — it wasn’t imitation. It was a transformation.”
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Fuqua emphasized that the casting process was rigorous. The goal was never to find someone who looked like Michael Jackson. It was to find someone who could channel him. After months of searching and testing, Jaafar proved he was that person.
Colman Domingo’s Complete Transformation
Fuqua also shared his admiration for Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson — Michael’s notoriously strict and complicated father. Eisen’s audience learned that Domingo underwent a full physical transformation with makeup, becoming almost unrecognizable on set.
“Colman disappeared into the role,” Fuqua said. “You didn’t see the actor anymore. You saw Joe Jackson.”
The director praised Domingo’s ability to portray the family patriarch with depth and nuance — not as a one-dimensional villain, but as a man shaped by his own struggles and ambitions for his children.
Honoring the Legacy
The interview touched on the broader responsibility Fuqua felt while making “Michael.” The film covers Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 to solo superstardom, weaving in the music, choreography, and cultural impact that made him a global icon.
“It took about two years and one month to complete,” Fuqua noted. The goal was always to honor Michael’s artistry while addressing key aspects of his life and family dynamics with honesty and respect.
Fuqua, known for directing classics like “Training Day,” brought that same intensity to the biopic. Early buzz has been strong, with particular praise for Jaafar’s transformative performance, the musical sequences, and the film’s emotional weight.
Not Just a Promotional Stop
While Fuqua, a native of Pittsburgh, was on the Rich Eisen Show to promote the film’s nationwide release, the conversation also touched on lighter subjects — including Fuqua’s love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his memories of making “Training Day.” But the core takeaway for fans was clear: “Michael” is not a surface-level tribute.
It is, according to its director, a deep and authentic portrayal of one of the most complex figures in music history. And at its center is a first-time actor named Jaafar Jackson, who reportedly earned his spot through tears, transformation, and the kind of raw talent that no last name can buy.
Watch the FULL interview, below.
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