Exclusive: Michael interviews with Jaafar Jackson Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Antoine Fuqua, Juliano Valdi and the the impact Michael Jackson had on their lives
Hitting theaters on April 24 from Lionsgate is one of the most anticipated films of the year, Michael, the musical biopic about uber famous musician / singer Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua from a script written by John Logan, the cast includes his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson in his film debut, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, Derek Luke, Jessica Sula, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo as his father Joe Jackson
Michael is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson's (starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson) life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.
Larenz Tate, who plays Motown Records founder and impresario Berry Gordy – the man who redefined American music by developingand giving a national platform to such acts as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips – and the Jackson 5 – to name a few.
Jessica Sula plays Michael's older sister La Toya, the fifth child and middle daughter of the Jackson family, who first gained recognition in the mid-1970's on the family's variety TV series "The Jacksons." She went on to launch a solo career releasing multiple albums in the 1980s.
Kendrick Sampson plays legendary, 28-time Grammy Awards\®-winning songwriter, composer, and producer Quincy Jones, who first met Michael when he was just 12 years old. The pair would go on to collaborate on three of Michael's most successful albums: "Off the Wall" (1979), "Thriller" (1982), and "Bad" (1987).
KeiLyn Durrel Jones plays Bill Bray, who was originally hired by Joe Jackson in the 1970's as security for the Jackson 5. Bray went on to work exclusively with Michael for nearly three decades, becoming one of his most trusted friends.
Miles Teller plays John Branca, Michael Jackson’s longtime entertainment attorney and manager. He portrays a key figure responsible for shaping Jackson's career and managing his estate.
The film was produced by Graham King, John McClain, John Branca.
Blackfilmandtv.com's Wilson Morales talks to the main cast and creatives of #michaelmovie with Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson), Nia Long (Katherine Jackson), Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson), Juliano Valdi (Young Michael Jackson), Antoine Fuqua (Director), Graham King (Producer) on the impact Michael Jackson had on their lives.
