Jaafar Jackson is set to return as his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the upcoming sequel to the Michael biopic, with the second film expected to explore the allegations of child abuse that were not addressed in the first instalment, states Deadline.
In a recent interview with GQ Middle East, Jaafar said he hopes the sequel will offer audiences greater insight into Michael’s own perspective on the allegations.
“I think the second film will give even more insight from his point of view, because at the end of the day, [the allegations] are always from someone else’s,” Jaafar said.
He added that the Jackson family has long felt that Michael’s own voice has been missing from discussions surrounding the allegations.
“It’s someone else’s story. It’s someone else’s idea of what it is, and it’s mainly driven by an agenda,” he said.
“And that’s really the issue we’ve been having as a family – not having Michael’s voice being heard.”
The allegations against Michael began surfacing in the early 1990s and were not covered in the first film.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael concludes in 1987 with the release of the Bad music video, focusing on the singer’s childhood, rise to fame and transformation into a global icon.
Fuqua previously revealed that the original version of the film contained scenes dealing with the allegations, but they were eventually removed as the filmmakers chose to concentrate on Michael’s journey to superstardom.
Jaafar said he hopes the sequel will preserve the qualities he believes defined his uncle throughout his life.
“This first film focuses on Michael from his roots,” he said. “So you get that idea of who he was before he had all the success and became the icon that people are familiar with.”
According to Jaafar, Michael retained his kindness and belief in people despite the controversies and difficulties he faced.
“He never stopped treating people with kindness. He never stopped believing in and wanting to look for the good in people,” he said, adding that he hopes audiences will feel that “in the second movie”.
The sequel is being developed by Lionsgate and the Michael Jackson estate. Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson previously told Deadline that production is being targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.
The first Michael film, starring Jaafar in his feature acting debut, has renewed interest in the late singer’s life and career.
The sequel is expected to delve into a more controversial chapter of his story, while continuing the narrative established in the first film.
