From toe stands to his speaking voice: Jaafar Jackson’s two years preparing for Michael
Playing his uncle in his first leading film role meant working on more than a resemblance: Jaafar had to find the voice, movement and presence his family remembered.
In a Variety interview reported by CNN Brasil, Jaafar Jackson said he spent two years preparing after being cast as Michael Jackson. He collected music, rehearsal material and recordings, and worked on his speaking voice. The toughest dance challenge was repeatedly standing on his toes: he described pain and injuries that gave him a new appreciation of dancers’ physical demands.CNN Brasil ↗
The rehearsals also gave him freedom. By the time he filmed the performance of Bad, he said, he could loosen up onstage and enjoy the moment. His account suggests how getting the movements right could make room for a less mechanical performance in front of the camera.
His family’s response added another dimension. Jaafar said his father, Jermaine Jackson, recognized his brother Michael in some of the film’s quieter moments. For an actor playing a relative, that recognition goes beyond looking alike.
Jaafar also discussed a box-office target he had written down before filming. But his account of the preparation offers another way into Michael: the two years of work behind its voice, dance steps and screen presence. Promotional videos are collected on the film’s official website.film’s official website ↗
