Michael sequel: Jaafar Jackson hopes film gives uncle’s perspective
Jaafar Jackson says he hopes the next Michael film brings his uncle’s voice to allegations, but its screenplay details remain unconfirmed.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Jaafar Jackson says he hopes the Michael sequel gives audiences more of his uncle’s perspective on the child abuse allegations made against Michael Jackson, while stressing that he does not control the screenplay.
Speaking to GQ Middle East, as reported by Deadline, the actor said the second film could offer greater insight into Michael Jackson’s point of view. Jaafar Jackson is set to reprise the role in the Lionsgate follow-up, Deadline reported.
His comments are an expression of what he wants from the film, rather than confirmation of how its script will handle the allegations or which events it may include.
What did Jaafar Jackson say about the Michael sequel child abuse allegations?
Jackson said accounts of the allegations had generally been told from other people’s perspectives. He said his family’s concern was that Michael Jackson’s own voice had not been adequately heard, particularly in stories about his later years.
He also said the first movie is intended to establish who Michael Jackson was before he had success and became the icon audiences know. Jackson said he hoped the sequel would convey the kindness and optimism he associates with his uncle, despite the difficult experiences Michael Jackson faced.
Those are Jackson’s views about the story and his uncle. The reports do not identify confirmed screenplay details about any particular allegation, individual or legal case that the sequel may portray.
Why does the sequel raise the issue?
The first Michael film ends in 1987, with the release of the “Bad” music video, according to Deadline and Variety. The child abuse allegations began in the early 1990s, meaning they were outside the time period covered in the first film.
Deadline reported that director Antoine Fuqua had originally filmed material dealing with the allegations, but said it was removed so the first movie could focus on Jackson’s rise to stardom and the experiences that shaped him.
Michael Jackson denied claims of sexual misconduct while he was alive, Vanity Fair reported. He was acquitted in 2005 after a trial on a child-molestation charge.
When could the Michael sequel start filming?
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson told Deadline that the production was targeting a start toward the end of 2026 or early 2027. That is a target, not a confirmed filming date.
The sequel remains in the works at Lionsgate and Michael Jackson’s estate, Deadline reported. Jaafar Jackson’s remarks offer an early indication of the perspective he hopes it takes, while the film’s final story remains to be seen.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.