How the cast of the Michael Jackson movie ‘Michael’ compares to the real-life people they play

Jaafar Jackson is the son of Michael Jackson’s older brother Jermaine Jackson. This is Jaafar’s acting debut — he was previously a singer and dancer.

Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, is among the best-selling writers of all time. He began his career with The Jackson 5 then went solo in the 1970s.

While he was alive, Jackson was investigated by the LAPD after allegations he molested several young boys. Jackson was acquitted during a criminal trial in 2005 and died in 2009.

A 2019 documentary about the scandal, “Leaving Neverland,” put new focus on the case, with new allegations made against the singer. Jackson and his estate have consistently denied all accounts of wrongdoing.

This is the first movie role for Juliano Krue Valdi, who is 9.

Colman Domingo is a two-time Oscar nominee who recently starred in “The Running Man” and will star next in Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day.”

Joe Jackson was a failed rhythm ‘n’ blues singer who pushed his 10 children into music careers. He formed and managed The Jackson 5.

He also managed Michael Jackson’s solo career until he was fired in 1979. Joe Jackson was later accused by his children of abusing them, something he denied. He died in 2018.

Nia Long has starred in several memorable movies like “Love Jones,” “Friday,” and “Are We There Yet?”

Katherine Jackson was a Jehovah’s Witness and Joe Jackson’s second wife.

The pair married in 1949 and had 10 children together. She is 95.

“Top Gun: Maverick” star Miles Teller plays John Branca, Jackson’s attorney and manager from 1980. Branca was fired in 2003 but was later made an executor of Michael Jackson’s estate.

Joseph David-Jones has starred in “Arrow,” “Nashville” and “Allegiant.”

Jackie Jackson is the second child of the Jackson family and the eldest son. He was part of The Jackson 5 and continued his singing career after they disbanded. Jackie is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre has appeared in several series, including “Black-ish” and “The Equalizer.”

Rhyan Hill has appeared in several series, including “Shameless” and “Lovecraft Country.”

Tito Jackson is another Jackson brother who was part of The Jackson 5. He’s now a solo performer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.

“Michael” is Judah Edwards’ fourth acting credit. His most notable role is playing young Gogo in “Saint X.”

Jamal Henderson, who appeared in “Mindhunter” season two, plays the third eldest Jackson son, Jermaine. Jermaine Jackson was also part of The Jackson 5 and became a solo artist after the band disbanded.

He has nine children, including Jaafar.

Another actor, Jayden Harville, is making his acting debut playing young Jermaine Jackson.

Broadway actor Jaylen Lyndon Hunter plays the younger version of Marlon Jackson, while Tre Horton plays the older Marlon.

Marlon Jackson is the fifth and final member of The Jackson 5 and was born a year before Michael Jackson. Marlon Jackson also continued performing solo after the band disbanded.

Jessica Sula has starred in the 2021 Amazon series “Panic” and horror movies “Split” and “Malum.”

La Toya Jackson is the only sister of Michael Jackson featured in “Michael.” She was the fifth child and middle daughter in the Jackson family. She went on to have a solo career, releasing nine albums over 15 years.

Mike Myers is one of the most recognizable comedic actors in Hollywood, known for his time on “Saturday Night Live,” and the “Austin Powers” and “Shrek” franchises.

Walter Yetnikoff was the record executive who championed Jackson’s solo career, helping get his videos on MTV and making “Thriller” one of the best-selling albums of all time. He died in 2021.

Larenz Tate is best known for starring in movies like “Menace II Society,” “Dead Presidents,” “Love Jones” (alongside Nia Long), and “Girls Trip.”

Berry Gordy signed the Jackson 5 to his Motown label and was behind the group’s hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.”

Kendrick Sampson has starred on shows like “How to Get Away with Murder,” “The Flash,” and “Insecure.”

Quincy Jones was the record producer who was the architect of Jackson’s solo career, producing “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” He died in 2024.

Deon Cole is a comedian who has starred in “Black-ish” and “Average Joes.” You may also recognize him from the Old Spice commercials.

Don King was a legendary promoter known best for the boxing matches he set up, ranging from Muhammad Ali’s “The Rumble in the Jungle” and “Thrilla in Manila” fights, as well as countless Mike Tyson bouts.

But in 1984, he teamed with Joe Jackson to create the Victory Concert tour for the Jackson 5. At the time, Michael was the biggest artist in the world thanks to “Thriller.” Michael went onstage with his brothers, sporting his soon-to-be legendary single white glove, and did the moonwalk.

Ayomikun Adekaiyero contributed to a previous version of this post.