Michael Jackson’s Son Prince Says Seeing Cousin Jaafar Dressed as Late Star in Biopic Was an ‘Emotional Shock’
Michael Jackson’s Son Prince Says Seeing Cousin Jaafar Dressed as Late Star in Biopic Was an ‘Emotional Shock’
Staff AuthorFri, April 24, 2026 at 3:57 PM UTC
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Prince Jackson in April 2026 in Los Angeles; Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 2026Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty; Glen Wilson/Lionsgate -
Prince Jackson said seeing his cousin Jaafar Jackson portray Michael Jackson was "one of the greatest experiences of my life"
The eldest son of the late star, who was 12 when his father died, said seeing his cousin in character was an "emotional shock"
Michael, out now, explores Michael Jackson's early life and rise to superstardom
Prince Jackson is detailing the bittersweet moment he first saw his cousin, Jaafar Jackson, portraying his late father, Michael Jackson.
The eldest son of the late King of Pop appeared on ABC News and reflected on the sentimental process of producing his father's biopic, Michael, which debuted in theaters on Friday, April 24. Jaafar, 29, stars in the film as the titular singer, and Prince said his cousin and Michael's nephew perfected the resemblance.
"The first time that I saw him in person, in his hair and makeup, was really an emotional shock," Prince, 29, said in the Wednesday, April 23 interview, "because I had not seen my father in a long time."
Prince, Bigi, Paris and Michael Jackson.Credit: Prince Jackson/Instagram
Prince, who was just 12 years old when his father died in 2009, added, "Jaafar just embodied him, and brought him back in that moment."
Prince said he struggled to keep his cool at first because Jaafar so authentically mirrored Michael's iconic look. The eldest son of the late star "really just wanted to give him a hug," and said he had to take a moment to himself to process the emotional experience.
Of course, Prince said, he also told his cousin how proud he was of him and expressed the confidence he and other family members had in his performance. The Jackson family's reaction to the biopic has been "overwhelmingly positive," Prince said, and many relatives came to watch the film being made.
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"As family, we're very supportive and every bit confident that Jaafar would perform, but I'm happy to say, I think that Jaafar greatly exceeded our expectations," said Prince. "I am blown away by what he has done here."
He added that seeing Jaafar portray his father was "one of the greatest experiences of my life."
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in 'Michael.' in 2026Credit: Glen Wilson/Lionsgate
Michael will follow the star's "life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career," per an official synopsis.
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The film's cast also includes Colman Domingo as the family's patriarch Joseph Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of Michael, in addition to Jaafar, who was cast in the titular role after a worldwide casting search.
Michael is in theaters now.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
