Celebrities and Family Hail Jaafar Jackson’s Humanizing Performance as ‘Michael’ Biopic Hits Global Theaters

Jaafar Jackson earns high praise from family and stars like Usher and Questlove for his "perfection" in the new Michael Jackson biopic now in theaters.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 26, 2026, 7:49 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Root

The Premiere of a Musical Cinematic Event

After months of intense anticipation, the biopic "Michael" has officially arrived in theaters, sparking widespread conversation across social media and the entertainment industry. While some critics have voiced reservations, the general consensus among the public points to a production that successfully delivers the immersive musical experience fans expected. The Los Angeles premiere at The Dolby Theatre saw a significant turnout of influential figures, including Usher, who credited director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King for bringing depth and respect to the narrative. According to Usher, the film captures the "spirit of who Michael was" through its performances and musicality.

A Focus on Humanizing the Myth

Questlove, the drummer for The Roots, shared a detailed reflection on the film, admitting he initially approached the project with skepticism and a tendency to nitpick technical inaccuracies. However, he concluded that the movie achieved a rare feat by stripping away the spectacle to reveal the human being behind the "King of Pop" persona. Questlove noted that the project prioritized capturing the "soul" and humanity of Jackson over minor chronological or technical details, particularly highlighting a side of the artist that many had forgotten since the mid-1980s. This editorial shift from myth-making to humanization has become a central talking point for those who have viewed the film.

Family Reactions to Jaafar Jackson’s Performance

The Jackson family has offered emotional endorsements of the film, specifically focusing on Jaafar Jackson’s lead performance. Prince Jackson, the singer’s son and an executive producer on the project, described an "emotional shock" upon seeing his cousin in full hair and makeup, stating that Jaafar successfully embodied the essence of his father. Michael’s brother, Jackie Jackson, echoed these sentiments, revealing that the transformation on screen brought tears to his eyes. This family support has served as a powerful counter-narrative to critical reviews, emphasizing the personal accuracy of Jaafar’s portrayal.