Breaking Down Who’s Playing Who In Michael Jackson Movie

The highly-anticipated Michael Jackson movie hits theaters April 24. Let’s take a look at who’s portraying the famous faces!

We’re less than one month out from one of the biggest cinematic moments of the year: the upcoming Michael Jackson movie. Appropriately named “Michael,” the film boasts a star-studded cast and the introduction of the late King of Pop’s very own nephew Jaafar, in the titular role.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
A Jogger had no idea What or Who Hit Her… Until Police Showed Her

As we previously told you, there are more than a handful of music moments you can expect from the film as evidenced by the trailer. And to prepare you for the April 24 release, we’re breaking down who’s portraying who so you can be all the way up to speed before it hits theaters.

Keep reading for more and prepare to get your hee-hee on!

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson

Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate; Chris Walter/WireImage

Jaafar Jackson, son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine, will star as his own uncle in the film. And believe us when we tell you, it looks like he’s going to do a beyond stellar job!

Juliano Valdi as Little Michael Jackson

Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate; Max B. Miller/Fotos International/Getty Images

 Juliano Valdi will make his feature debut starring as the young Michael Jackson during his Jackson 5 era.

Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson

Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

“Sing Sing” star Colman Domingo will star as the domineering Jackson family patriarch, Joseph Jackson.

Nia Long as Katherine Jackson

Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate;  Alain BENAINOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

“The Best Man: The Final Chapters” star Nia Long will play the Jackson Family matriarch, Katherine Jackson.

Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson

Photo:  JC Olivera/WWD via Getty Images; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Rhyan Hill will star as the older Tito Jackson in the film beginning from their time as The Jacksons into adulthood.

Jamal R. Henderson as Adult Jermaine Jackson

Screenshot: YouTube; Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr

Jamal R. Henderson will be taking on the role as adult Jermaine Jackson, starting from The Jacksons era and beyond.

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as Young Jackie Jackson

Photo: Leon Bennett/FilmMagic; Gilles Petard/Redferns

“David Makes Man” star Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will be back in front of our screens, this time he’ll star as a young Jackie Jackson in this forthcoming film.

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Young Marlon Jackson

Screenshot: YouTube/Max B. Miller/Fotos International/Getty Images

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, who played a young Simba in “The Lion King” on Broadway, will star as Marlon Jackson in the film. (Fun fact: this marks the second time Hunter will take on the role as he was previously cast as the famous Jackson brother during the first national tour of “MJ: The Musical.”)

Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones

Photo:  ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images; Jim McCrary/Redferns

“Insecure” star Kendrick Sampson will portray legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones, the talent who was behind Michael’s biggest albums like “Thriller” and “Off the Wall.”

Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy

Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ABFF; SGranitz/WireImage.

“Power” star Larenz Tate will portray Motown Records founder Berry Gordy in the film, the music exec who signed Michael and his brothers, launching them into stardom.

Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe

Photo:  Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images;  Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images

“Black KkKlansman” star Laura Harrier will be taking on the role of Suzanne de Passe, who was instrumental in shaping the Jackson 5 image and bringing them over to Motown Records.

Miles Teller as John Branca

 Photo: Brian Friedman/Variety via Getty Images; Aaron Rapoport/Corbis via Getty Images

“Top Gun: Maverick” star Miles Teller will portray Michael’s longtime lawyer and the current co-executor of Michael’s estate John Branca.

Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson

Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Amazon Studios; BSR Agency/Gentle Look via Getty Images

U.K. actress Jessica Sula from “Split” will portray Michael’s older sister, LaToya.

KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray

Photo: Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images; Barry King/WireImage

KeiLyn Durrel Jones from “How to Die Alone” will portray Michael’s longtime security guard and close friend, Bill Bray.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Everything You Need to Know About the KKK

Everything You Need to Know About the KKK

The Root is taking a closer look into the Ku Klux Klan, one of the most notorious terrorist organizations of all time …
Here's All You Need to Know About Why Our HBCUs Are So Beloved

Here’s All You Need to Know About Why Our HBCUs Are So Beloved

After a recent study revealed a link between attending an HBCU and cognitive wellness, we’re schooling you on all there is to love about Black colleges! …
Here's a Full Timeline of Trump's Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

Here’s a Full Timeline of Trump’s Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

If you’re not caught up with the latest beef between Trump and Letitia James, don’t worry. We have you covered with everything to know since 2022 …
HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

A new study shows that the HBCU experience may actually be connected to a lifetime of well-being …
Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

New details from Rihanna are emerging about her unfortunate home shooting from Let’s get into it …
Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on 'Conservative Women in America'

Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on ‘Conservative Women in America’

Fan-favorite comedian Druski transforms into a satirical “Christian conservative” character, sparking millions of views and a heated online debate …
82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross's Style Through the Years

82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross’s Style Through the Years

As ‘The Boss’ turns another year older, we thought it’d be fitting to revel in the fabulous fashions of the legendary singer over the years. Let’s take a look! …
TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

After stumbling across Jill Scott’s family photos in Goodwill, one TikToker user has returned the precious memories back to the singer …
New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce settlement details between ‘RHOA’ star Kandi Burruss and ex Todd Tucker have been released. Let’s take a look! …
Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Professor: It gave us everything we needed in 2020 and nothing we need now …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …
Lamar Odom's Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

Lamar Odom’s Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

While many know NBA star Lamar Odom for his famous relationship with Khloe Kardashian, his teenage sweetheart is finally opening up about their dynamic …
Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the 'Verzuz' Battle

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the ‘Verzuz’ Battle

“Verzuz” is back, y’all! From “Sweet Lady” to “When We,” Tank and Tyrese are bringing all their hits to the stage. We curated the best playlist to get you ready to sing and slow dance for the show …
Black People Are Asking Why We Didn't Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black People Are Asking Why We Didn’t Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black folks are pissed after Zohran Mamdani’s wife’s old tweets resurfaced, painting her in a problematic light within the Black community …
The Numbers Don't Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

From the C-suite to entrepreneurship, Black women have had a record-breaking rise in recent years, even as they battle an uneven playing field …
Why a Comedian's Translation of 'The Lion King's' Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

Why a Comedian’s Translation of ‘The Lion King’s’ Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

The “Circle of Life” chant is one of the most recognizable sounds in Disney movie history! But right now, it’s the center of a $27 million legal war …
Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Reviews are mixed on whether maskless Black ICE agents are causing more harm than good in U.S. airports …
Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Shay Taylor-Allen shared a now-viral clip of the moment she learned that she would do her medical residency at Yale Hospital –where she once worked as a janitor …
We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

Usher and Justin Bieber allegedly got into a ‘heated exchange’ during an Oscars after-party. And now we’ve got insight into what really went down! …
Boston's 'Best Social Justice Advocate' Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Boston’s ‘Best Social Justice Advocate’ Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Monica Cannon-Grant, named “Bostonian of the Year,” stole donations and rental aid while illegally collecting unemployment as she organized BLM …