Playing a pop icon like Michael Jackson for the big screen would be intimidating for any rising actor and singer—but later this month, it becomes a more personal sentiment for 29-year-old star Jaafar Jackson, who is portraying his uncle in Antoine Fuqua’s movie-musical Michael. “It’s an honor of a lifetime. Definitely an experience I’ll never forget,” says Jackson, who is the son of Jermaine Jackson, one of Michael’s brothers and a former Jackson 5 member. “I couldn’t be more proud and grateful to be able to tell Michael’s story in a cinematic way.”
The film will follow Michael’s rise from his Jackson 5 days to becoming the worldwide “King of Pop,” and marks Jackson’s very first acting role—no pressure! In order to prepare for the buzzy project, Jackson spent two years researching and training for the role. He spent quality time with Michael when he was younger, but he had some gaps to fill in, especially around his early career days. “It was important for me to start at the roots from the very beginning when the Jackson 5 started, and make sure I understood Michaels point of view from the early days all the way through his adulthood,” says Jackson. “There’s a list of many things I did to feel ready for when I arrived on set. It was an extensive amount of prep work that started with dissecting many archival videos, listening to his music, and immersing myself in his personal writings.”
Nailing Michael’s distinctive choreography and singing was, of course, of the upmost importance. To get in total character, the star worked with the esteemed choreographers Rich + Tone Talauega. “They were Michael’s actual choreographers he had on the ‘History’ tour,” says Jackson, who spent many months learning his signatures moves. “I started to absorb all of Michael’s tours, and collected a library of any video I can find of him dancing. I really started studying it on a daily basis, and practicing in the mirror for hours and hours every day. It took a couple years until I felt confident with the dance moves.”
Equally as memorable for Jackson while filming were the glamorous, theatrical costumes he got to wear in-character, all brought to life by costume designer Marci Rodgers—from his iconic Thriller outfit, to his notable collection of military jackets. “That was such a fun process for me, being able to try on all the wardrobe and also perform with those iconic outfits,” says Jackson. “Seeing the clothing coming to life helped me to understand how specific and detailed Michael was on how he wanted to look on stage while dancing.” Some of his favorite personal costumes? “One of my favorites that I had the chance to wear was the Thriller look, and also the Billie Jean look from Motown 25.”
This month, meanwhile, Jackson has been engaging with a different fashion wardrobe while on the film’s press tour. He worked with stylist Ilaria Urbinati to cultivate press looks that are stylish and modern, yet nod to the spirit of MJ style. Call it subtle method dressing. “It’s been such a fun process, especially since it’s my first time experiencing this,” says Jackson. “I’m excited to wear the clothes that make me feel my best, and at the same time, give a subtle homage to Michael.”
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