'Michael' Biopic Star Jaafar Jackson Kept a Huge Secret From His Famous Family

As promotion for the upcoming biopic Michael ramps up, Jaafar Jackson, the 29-year-old actor taking on the role of his uncle, Michael Jackson, is sharing new behind-the-scenes details about the film's production.

Speaking with Interview Magazine, Jaafar shared the story of how he revealed his involvement in the upcoming film to his family members once the movie wrapped production.

Jaafar Jackson Didn’t Tell His Family About His Role In Michael

“No one in my family knew for a full year,” he explained. “I kept it pretty quiet until I felt comfortable enough to share it. But when my mom saw it on-screen, it blew her away. It was hard for her to connect it to me, so it was very emotional for her.”

Jaafar expressed his eagerness for his father, Jermaine Jackson of The Jacksons, to witness his performance in the highly-anticipated movie.

Jaafar later reflected on the experience of seeing his portrayal of the King of Pop on the big screen for the first time during the same interview.

“It went by so fast,” he explained. “I was like, 'Wait, that’s it?’ But the second time I saw it was a completely different experience. 

“I was able to understand what the story is and really allow myself to enjoy what’s on the screen, rather than thinking of all the things we shot that aren’t in there. Because that was my problem the first time. I was like, “Where’s all that footage?”

Jaafar Jackson Shares the Process Behind Recreating ‘Thriller’

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jaafar shared intimate details about the process of filming the recreation of the legendary 1982 horror-themed music video, "Thriller."

“We actaully had a full moon on one of those nights which was crazy,” Jaafar recalled. “We had a full moon and it was cold. I know he [Michael Jackson] shot during the summer but just being at that location, seeing the zombies around me; I mean that was one of my favorite videos besides 'Smooth Criminal.' To be at the real location was incredible. It really was.”

According to Jaafar, the production spent two straight nights filming the recreation at the original Los Angeles site, located at the intersection of South Calzona Street and Union Pacific Avenue.

Regarding his performance of “Billie Jean” for the television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, Jaafar mentioned that he received “incredible guidance” while recreating the iconic moment.

Michael will be released in theaters on April 24. 

“The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world,” the film synopsis says. 

“Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.”