The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic is officially in production, and Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International report that eight actors have been cast to play the King of Pop’s brothers in the Jackson 5 – Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie – to represent the group as they age in the film.
In the early years, Jermaine will be played by Jayden Harville, Marlon by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Tito by Judah Edwards and Jackie by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre. In the later years, Jermaine will be played by Jamal R. Henderson, Marlon by Tre Horton, Tito by Rhyan Hill and Jackie by Joseph David-Jones.
“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of 10 actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” said the film’s producer Graham King in a press statement. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.”
The biopic, titled Michael, will take on the musician’s life and career and will be produced by King (Bohemian Rhapsody) and John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. The film will be directed by Fuqua, the filmmaker behind 2001’s Oscar-winning Training Day and 2022’s Will Smith-starring Emancipation.
Jaafar Jackson will portray his late uncle Michael in the film alongside Nia Long, set to play Katherine Jackson, and Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, who is set to play the controversial Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson. Nine-year-old actor Juliano Krue Valdi will portray Michael during his formative years in the Jackson 5.
Michael is currently scheduled for release on April 18, 2025.
