TL;DR: Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) is the star of the massive 2025/2026 biopic Michael. He’s not just a lookalike; the kid has the voice and the moves down to a level that’s honestly a little spooky. While the movie is a technical masterpiece and a nostalgia trip, parents need to be ready for the "Estate-approved" version of MJ’s life and the inevitable questions about the darker side of his history.
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If you’ve spent any time on YouTube or TikTok lately, you’ve seen him. The curls, the military jacket, the high-pitched "Hee-hee!" that sounds way too much like the original. No, it's not a deepfake. It’s Jaafar Jackson, and he’s currently the biggest thing in Hollywood.
As we hit February 2026, the dust is finally settling on the theatrical run of the Michael biopic, and it’s now dominating streaming queues everywhere. For us parents, this movie is a weird bridge between our own childhoods and our kids' current obsession with "vintage" 80s culture. But before you hit play for family movie night, there’s a lot to unpack about who Jaafar is, why this movie is breaking the internet, and how to handle the inevitable "Wait, what happened at Neverland?" questions.
Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, which makes him Michael’s nephew. He’s 29 years old, and until this movie, he was relatively under the radar, mostly working on his own music.
When director Antoine Fuqua announced the casting, there was a lot of skepticism. Was this just nepotism? But then the first trailer dropped, and the collective jaw of the internet hit the floor. Jaafar didn't just learn the choreography; he seems to have inherited the DNA of Michael’s stage presence.
What’s important for parents to know is that Jaafar spent years training for this. He isn't just "playing" Michael; he’s channeling him in a way that makes the movie feel less like a biopic and more like a time machine. This is why your kids—even the ones who usually think "old people music" is mid—are suddenly trying to moonwalk in the kitchen.
It’s easy to forget that for Gen Alpha and younger Gen Z, Michael Jackson is a legendary figure on par with a superhero or a myth. They see the Thriller dance on Roblox or hear "Beat It" in a meme, and they’re hooked.
- The Spectacle: The movie features shot-for-shot recreations of iconic music videos. In an era of "brain rot" content and 15-second clips, the high-production value of MJ’s performances actually stands out.
- The Transformation: Kids love a "glow up" or a total transformation. Seeing Jaafar go from a regular guy to the King of Pop is fascinating to them.
- The Music: Let’s be real—the songs are still bops. Whether it’s through Spotify or Apple Music, MJ’s catalog has a permanent home on most kids' playlists.
Here is the no-BS take: Michael is a stunning film, but it is not a balanced documentary.
The movie was produced in collaboration with the Michael Jackson Estate. That means it’s beautiful, the music is perfect, and Jaafar Jackson gives a performance that will likely sweep awards season. However, it also means the narrative is very much "Team Michael." It touches on the controversies—the skin condition, the plastic surgery, the intense pressure from Joe Jackson, and the 1993 and 2005 allegations—but it does so through a lens of Michael as a misunderstood, child-like figure.
If you’re looking for a hard-hitting expose, this isn't it. This is a celebration of a legacy. As a parent, you need to decide if you’re okay with your kids seeing this version of the story before they learn about the more complicated (and troubling) reality.
Age-Appropriate Guidance
Recommended Ages: 13+
- Intensity: The scenes involving Michael’s father, Joe Jackson, can be genuinely upsetting. There is physical and emotional abuse depicted that might be too much for younger kids.
- The "Scary" Factor: Recreations of the Thriller era and Michael’s various health struggles (and the grueling rehearsals) add a layer of intensity.
- The Allegations: The film addresses the court cases and accusations. While it doesn't show anything graphic, it introduces themes of "inappropriate behavior" and legal battles that will require some explaining.
This is the hard part. Your kid watches Michael, falls in love with Jaafar’s performance, and then goes to Google. They are going to find things that aren't in the movie.
Here’s how to handle it:
- Separate the Art from the Artist: You can explain that someone can be a genius at their craft (singing, dancing, songwriting) while also being a deeply flawed or even troubled person. It’s okay to like the song "Billie Jean" while acknowledging that the man behind it had a very complicated life.
- Discuss the "Estate" Lens: Tell your kids, "This movie was made by his family and his business partners. They want us to remember the best parts of him. There are other people who have very different stories about what he was like."
- Address the Allegations Honestly: If they’re old enough to ask, they’re old enough for a simplified version of the truth. You don’t need to go into the details of [Leaving Neverland](https://screenwiseapp.com/media/leaving-neverland-show, but you can say, "A lot of people accused him of hurting children. He said he didn't do it, and he was never found guilty in court, but it’s a very serious and sad part of his history that people still disagree about today."
If your kid is on a music history kick but you’re not ready to dive into the MJ rabbit hole, there are plenty of other options that are a bit "cleaner" (or at least less controversial):
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Austin Butler’s performance is legendary, and it covers similar themes of fame and the price of being a superstar without the same level of legal controversy.
Elvis (Ages 12+)
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The story of Freddie Mercury and Queen. It’s a great way to talk about identity, health, and some of the best rock music ever made.
Bohemian Rhapsody (Ages 13+)
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A more recent biopic that focuses on Marley’s message of peace and his massive cultural impact.
Bob Marley: One Love (Ages 12+)
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Taron Egerton as Elton John. Heads up: this one is much more "R-rated" in its depiction of drug use and party culture, so save it for the older teens.
Rocketman (Ages 16+)
Jaafar Jackson is a star. There’s no getting around it. He has managed to humanize a figure who, for the last twenty years of his life, felt more like a tabloid caricature than a person.
As a parent, Michael is a great opportunity to talk about media literacy—how movies can shape our perception of history—and how we can appreciate talent while remaining critical of the person behind it. Enjoy the music, marvel at Jaafar’s transformation, but keep the conversation going once the credits roll.
Next Steps:
- Watch the Michael trailer with your teen and ask what they think.
- If they want to know more, consider watching a documentary like This Is It to see the real Michael’s work ethic.
- Check your YouTube parental controls before they start spiraling down the MJ rabbit hole.
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