The highly-anticipated "Michael" film, about the life and early career of Michael Jackson, hits theaters this weekend — and talk about what the film gets right and wrong has already reached a fever pitch. But when it comes to the film's casting choices and incredible transformations, most would agree they are pretty on point.
MJ is played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, and there are moments in the film when it is truly hard to tell them apart. One could say Jaafar had the DNA advantage for the look, but those moves are so uncannily spot-on as well. He recently spoke about how hard it was to recreate the choreography for "Billie Jean" from the "Motown 25" special. "That one was tough because trying to stick to that frame by frame, but also not coming across as just trying to mimic, but still embodying the performance and being believable... that was a challenge," Jaafar said. "Hitting every moment, every beat, but also having the energy and the showmanship behind the moves too, was a challenge."
With so much buzz circling Michael, let us take a look at some side-by-side comparisons of the actors and the real people they are portraying in the film. You will definitely do a double take at some of these.
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
First up, there is Jaafar Jackson as Michael. Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, and makes a real splash of a debut in Michael. In real life, Jaafar bears a strong resemblance to his uncle, but his performance captures Michael's essence.
Juliano Valdi as Young Michael
Twelve-year-old Juliano Valdi portrays a young Michael Jackson. His look and energy mirror the early years of the Jackson 5.
Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
Nia Long plays the Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson. Her portrayal brings warmth and strength to the role.
Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
Two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo takes on the role of Joe Jackson, the strict patriarch of the Jackson family.
KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray
KeiLyn Durrel Jones plays Michael's trusted and longtime security guard, Bill Bray. Bill has a substantial role in the film, and Michael regarded him as a second father.
Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones is one of the most striking transformations in the film. In real life, Kendrick's resemblance to the legendary producer is uncanny.
The Jackson Five
Here is the Jackson Five in the film. From left to right: Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson, Tre' Horton as Marlon Jackson, Jaafar as Michael, Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson, and Jamal Henderson as Jermaine Jackson. And here is the real Jackson Five: Tito, Jackie, Michael, Jermaine, and Marlon.
The Young Jackson Five
The young Jackson Five in the film includes Judah Edwards as Tito, Jaylen Hunter as Marlon, Juliano as Michael, Nathaniel McIntyre as Jackie, and Jayden Harville as Jermaine. The real young Jackson Five consisted of Jermaine, Tito, Michael, Marlon, and Jackie.
Miles Teller as John Branca
Miles Teller plays John Branca, a prominent entertainment lawyer for popular musical acts in the 1980s and 1990s.
Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, the Motown giant who discovered the Jackson Five. Vanessa Williams played her in the 1992 series "The Jacksons: An American Dream."
Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson
Jessica Sula plays La Toya Jackson, the only Jackson sister featured in Michael.
Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
Larenz Tate plays the Motown founder, Berry Gordy. This role also reunites him with Nia Long, evoking their chemistry from the 1997 film "Love Jones."
Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff
Mike Myers plays Walter Yetnikoff, the former CBS Records president who threatened to pull CBS' artists from MTV unless the network played Michael's "Billie Jean" video, which became the first from a Black artist on MTV in 1983.
Which casting surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
