Jaafar Jackson recreates uncle’s look in first look at Michael Jackson biopic

This is not a hologram.

This is a first look at Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, in his portrayal of Michael Jackson in the next movie “Michael” will be released on April 18, 2025, according to Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International.

The image shows Jackson, in character as the King of Pop, performing during his 1992 “Dangerous Tour” wearing a deep V-neckline and a white coat, and holding a white microphone.

The biopic will portray the highs and lows of Jackson’s iconic career as a global superstar. The synopsis promises “a fascinating and honest portrait of the brilliant but complicated man who became the King of Pop.”

“When I walked on set, I felt like I had gone back in time and was walking to the stadium to film the tour. Watching Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, that’s Michael.’ The way he looked and acted, his mannerisms, everything: it’s Michael Jackson,” reads a statement from Kevin Mazur, who photographed Jackson on the set of the film.

“For anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to see Michael perform live during their lifetime, this is what it was like,” Mazur’s statement continued.

According to the statement, the choice of the photographer was intentional.

“As one of the photographers who documented Michael for many years, Mazur captured rehearsals as he prepared to entertain the world with his ‘This Is It’ concerts. He is now also the first to photograph Jaafar Jackson in character as Michael.” , according to a release from the studios.

“Jaafar embodies my son,” Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, previously said in a statement about the film. “It’s wonderful to see him continue Jackson’s legacy of artists and performers.”

Jaafar Jackson is the second youngest son of legendary singer Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s older brother.

The upcoming film is produced by Graham King of “The Aviator” and two co-executors of the Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain. The script was written by John Logan of “Gladiator.”

The film will also star Nia Long, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo alongside Jackson.

ABC News’ Megan Stone contributed to this report.