Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the King of Pop in the Antoine Fuqua biopic.

Which perhaps explains why producers behind a planned biopic have cast the leading role with a member of the family: The pop icon's nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the title role in "Michael," which starts filming this year.

Jackson, 26, is the second youngest son of Jermaine Jackson, 68, Michael's brother and former Jackson 5 member. Michael Jackson, whose career spanned global hits and persistent scandal, died in 2009 at age 50.

Here's everything that's known about the film so far.

Jackson grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by his musical family. In 2019, he released his first sing called "Got Me Singing," which was accompanied by a video that was shot in Brazil. The song is heavily reminiscent of his uncle's sound, from its staccato Latin beats to Jackson's plaintive vocals. Jackson also flexes some solid dance moves on Brazilian rooftops.

“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” said Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson's mother, in a statement provided by Lionsgate Films.

Added producer Graham King, whose credits include the Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody": “I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael. It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role."

Source: USA Today