By Haris Khan Sherwani
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Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson)
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Kat Graham (Diana Ross)
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Nia Long (Katherine Jackson)
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Derek Luke (Johnnie Cochran)
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Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson)
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Miles Teller (John Branca)
Key Takeaways
- The Michael Jackson biopic will cover Jackson's life, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his solo career, highlighting both his successes and controversies.
- Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, has been cast in the lead role, offering an intimate and authentic portrayal of the pop legend.
- The biopic includes a strong supporting cast, featuring Miles Teller as Jackson's attorney, John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran.
Few names in the music world hold the same weight as Michael Jackson. Often hailed as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Jackson's rise from small-town talent to global icon is a case of turning lead into gold. Born into a modest household, his father was a crane operator, and his mother was a part-time country and western performer. Jackson overcame difficult circumstances to claim his throne as the greatest musician of all time. As an African American artist, his rocket to stardom shattered all preconceived notions, and he quickly became an unstoppable cultural force. His influence was so profound that his albums flew off the shelves, propelling him to become the second highest-selling solo artist in history.
With 13 Grammy Awards to his name, Jackson's music was only one dimension of his multifaceted genius. His signature moves, especially that gravity-defying moonwalk, set the world on fire and left dancers everywhere striving to fill his shoes. His songs echoed across streets and stages worldwide, and his concerts were nothing short of magical, with fans fainting at the mere sight of him performing. Tragically, the world was shaken on June 25, 2009, when news broke of Jackson's untimely death due to cardiac arrest. Even in death, Michael Jackson's legacy continues to stand the test of time.
In an exciting turn of events for his fans, GK Films is gearing up to release a biopic chronicling the rise and life of Michael Jackson. Slated for an April 18, 2025 release, the Michael biopic promises to reignite the magic of Jackson's legacy, bringing his life and career to the spotlight. The decision to cast Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role promises a deeply authentic and intimate portrayal of The Gloved One. Furthermore, a host of Hollywood stars will assume key roles representing important figures in Jackson's life. Let's take a closer look at the star-studded cast of Michael, their career highlights, and the net worth they have amassed in the industry.
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6 Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson)
Jaafar Jackson's Net Worth (Estimated): $500,000
Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of the late Michael Jackson, is poised to make his acting debut portraying his larger-than-life uncle in the biopic Michael. Tackling a role of this stature is no light undertaking, but Jaafar's transformation into the King of Pop has left everyone in awe, from the film's director to on-set photographers. His resemblance to Michael, physically and in mannerisms, has been described as uncanny, with many praising his ability to capture the essence of his uncle's persona.
At the time of Michael Jackson's untimely death, Jaafar was just one month shy of his 13th birthday. In a particularly touching endorsement, Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother, expressed her approval, stating that Jaafar "embodies" her son. While this role marks Jaafar's formal acting debut, he is no stranger to the spotlight. Growing up within the Jackson dynasty, he has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and the reality series The Jacksons: Next Generation.
He even launched his own music career in 2019 with the single Got Me Singing. Jaafar Jackson's net worth is currently estimated at $500,000, but with the biopic generating enormous buzz and anticipated box-office success, his financial prospects are expected to rise dramatically. Many insiders believe that Michael will serve as a springboard for Jaafar's career, both in acting and music, making him one to watch in the coming years.
Jaafar Jackson’s Net Worth | $500,000 |
Total Acting Projects | 1 |
Notable Projects | - |
Upcoming Projects | Michael (2025) |
5 Kat Graham (Diana Ross)
Kat Graham's Net Worth (Estimated): $3 Million
Diana Ross and The King of Pop shared a deeply connected friendship, and it is no secret that Jackson held a special place in his heart for the two-time Grammy Award winner. Throughout his life, MJ openly expressed his admiration for Ross, referring to her as the "love of his life" in several interviews and biographies. Their bond was obvious to those around them, further fueling public fascination with their relationship.
In a major casting announcement, Kat Graham was selected to portray Diana Ross in the upcoming biopic, which has sparked considerable excitement given the singer's profound influence on Jackson's life. Kat Graham is no stranger to the spotlight. She started her career at just six years old, quickly landing a string of television commercials before making her film debut in the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap alongside Lindsay Lohan.
Graham's breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast in The Vampire Diaries, a role that brought her international fame. The Swiss-born actress has continued to take on various roles in notable projects such as All Eyez on Me, where she portrayed Jada Pinkett Smith, How It Ends, and Emperor. Kat Graham has also found success in music, with two EPs and four studio albums under her belt. Through her work as an actor and a musician, Kat Graham has earned a net worth of $3 million.
Kat Graham’s Net Worth | $3,000,000 |
Total Acting Projects | 51 |
Notable Projects | Vampire Diaries, All Eyez on Me, How It Ends |
Upcoming Projects | Michael (2025), Black, White & Blue |
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Tito Jackson’s passing leaves questions about his $2 million estate as the Jackson family remains silent on how it will be divided.
4 Nia Long (Katherine Jackson)
Nia Long's Net Worth (Estimated): $5 Million
Nia Long has been cast as Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson family, in the upcoming Michael biopic. Katherine, the mother of Michael Jackson and his nine siblings, dreamed of becoming a country musician, often singing alongside her husband, Joe Jackson. Though Katherine did not pursue her own career in music, her encouragement proved instrumental in launching her children's careers, particularly Michael.
Throughout his rise to fame, Katherine remained a constant source of love and support in his personal and professional life. Even after his passing, Katherine remained a steadfast guardian of his legacy. Nia Long was a fitting choice to portray this nurturing and resilient character. The New York-born actress made her on-screen debut in the Disneyland Series The Disney Sunday Movie in 1986. She became widely recognized for portraying Beulah Wilkes, Will Smith's girlfriend and fiancée, in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1994 to 1995.
Long appeared in supporting roles in classic films such as Friday and Made in America and has played lead or ensemble roles in popular movies like Soul Food, Love Jones, Boiler Room, Big Momma's House, Are We There Yet?, and The Best Man. In 2020, Long starred in the Netflix psychological thriller Fatal Affair. She has worked on 72 acting projects in total, demonstrating her staying power and range as a performer. Nia Long's net worth is currently valued at $5 million.
Nia Long’s Net Worth | $5,000,000 |
Total Acting Projects | 72 |
Notable Projects | Boyz n the Hood, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Soul Food |
Upcoming Projects | Michael (2025) |
3 Derek Luke (Johnnie Cochran)
Derek Luke's Net Worth (Estimated): $5 Million
One of the most challenging periods in Michael Jackson's career came in 1993 when he was accused of child molestation by Evan Chandler, who claimed Jackson had behaved inappropriately with his 13-year-old son, Jordan Chandler. The allegations sent shockwaves through the media and the public, casting a shadow over Jackson's career. Though lacking hard proof and resolved with an out-of-court settlement, the media frenzy surrounding the allegations irrevocably tarnished Michael's public image.
Major brands like Pepsi severed ties, and the superstar's health suffered under immense stress. Cochran, renowned for his legal representation of celebrities like Sean Combs, O.J. Simpson, and Tupac Shakur, became a key figure in Michael's defense. The inclusion of Johnnie Cochran, Jackson's high-profile attorney, in the biopic suggests that the film will not shy away from exploring this difficult chapter, with Derek Luke set to portray the celebrity attorney. Luke's acting career began with a small role in the sitcom The King of Queens in 1999, where he made his screen debut as a nurse.
His breakout role came in 2002 when he starred as the title character in Antwone Fisher, directed by Denzel Washington. Luke went on to appear in notable films such as Biker Boyz, where he starred alongside Laurence Fishburne, and Captain America: The First Avenger, in which he played Gabe Jones, a member of the Howling Commandos. He also gained recognition for his role as Malcolm Devoe, Cookie's secret love interest, in the hit TV series Empire. Thanks to his exceptional work in various acting projects, Derek Luke's net worth has reached an estimated $5 million.
Derek Luke’s Net Worth | $5,000,000 |
Total Acting Projects | 47 |
Notable Projects | Antwone Fisher, Spartan, Captain America: The First Avenger |
Upcoming Projects | Michael (2025), Long Day Journey |
Related
Sony's Michael Jackson Deal, Queen, And The Biggest Music Catalog Sales Of All Time
As Sony buys Michael Jackson's catalog and Queen seeks a similar deal, let's look at the lurid and lucrative world of music catalog sales.
2 Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson)
Colman Domingo's Net Worth (Estimated): $8 Million
Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson, the strict patriarch of the Jackson family, in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael. As the father and manager of the Jackson family, Joe is a controversial figure known for his rigid and often harsh approach towards raising his children. While Michael himself publicly condemned his father's abusive behavior, his brother Jermaine Jackson praised their father's discipline, crediting Joe's strictness with helping the Jackson family achieve mainstream success.
However, the cost of this conduct was evident in Michael's personal struggles as he battled the pressures of fame and the toll that relentless expectations took on his mental health and well-being. Domingo has hinted that the biopic will reveal surprising details about Michael Jackson's life, shedding new light on the complex dynamics within the Jackson family. His reputation as one of the finest character actors in Hollywood ensures that his portrayal of Joe Jackson will be compelling and multi-dimensional.
Domingo's breakthrough came not in film but on stage, particularly with his portrayal of Mr. Bones in the 2011 Broadway musical The Scottsboro Boys. Domingo has starred in critically acclaimed films such as Lincoln, Selma and the hit HBO series Euphoria, where he won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance. More recently, The Color Purple star has earned critical praise for his role in Rustin, which earned him an Oscar nomination. Colman Domingo's net worth stands at $8 million, and his involvement in six upcoming films suggests continued success and financial growth.
Colman Domingo’s Net Worth | $8,000,000 |
Total Acting Projects | 65 |
Notable Projects | Selma, Euphoria, The Color Purple |
Upcoming Projects | The Madness, Michael (2025), Nat King Cole Biopic, The Four Seasons |
1 Miles Teller (John Branca)
Miles Teller's Net Worth (Estimated): $16 Million
After Michael Jackson parted ways with his father, Joe Jackson, as his manager, he brought in entertainment lawyer John Branca to manage his affairs. Branca played an instrumental role in one of Jackson's most lucrative deals, as he helped Jackson purchase ATV Music Publishing for $47.5 million, a catalog that included the rights to The Beatles' music.
This investment paid off handsomely when ATV merged with Sony Music, earning Jackson $150 million. Despite their successes, Jackson and Branca's relationship was not without its challenges. Jackson dismissed Branca in the 1990s amid allegations of fraud, and they parted ways again in the early 2000s due to personal tensions. However, the two reconciled just eight days before Jackson's tragic death in 2009. Branca continues to shape Jackson's posthumous reputation as the co-executor of his estate, ensuring its profitability.
Miles Teller has been tapped to bring this complex relationship to life on screen. After starting his career in short films, Teller made his feature film debut in Rabbit Hole and gained widespread recognition for his roles in The Spectacular Now and the Divergent series. His breakout moment came with Whiplash, where his intense portrayal of a determined drummer earned him rave reviews. Miles Teller's net worth is estimated to be $16 million. He has starred in over 20 films, with a combined box office gross exceeding $2.8 billion.
Miles Teller’s Net Worth | $16,000,000 |
Total Acting Projects | 38 |
Notable Projects | Whiplash, Divergent, Insurgent, War Dogs |
Upcoming Projects | Michael (2025), The Ark and the Aardvark, A Life of Jesus |
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