It comes as no surprise that Michael, the biopic chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, has become a global box office phenomenon, grossing an estimated $977 million worldwide and now standing as the highest-grossing biopic of all time, surpassing Oppenheimer ($976.8 million in 2025) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($911 million in 2018). While audiences have flocked to theaters, giving the film a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics were far less enthusiastic, rating it at 38% and widely criticizing its decision not to address the sexual abuse allegations that surrounded Jackson later in his life.One element that both fans and critics have largely agreed on is Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of Michael, his real-life uncle. His performance has been widely praised for its precision, from the vocal mannerisms to the iconic dance moves, capturing the essence of the pop legend with striking authenticity.GalleryFrom the film 'Michael'The film intentionally confines its narrative to Jackson’s early years, ending in 1988 before any public accusations emerged. According to director Antoine Fuqua, earlier drafts of the screenplay did include material touching on the allegations, including a planned sequence depicting the 1993 police raid on Neverland Ranch, in which Jackson would have been searched by authorities. Some of these scenes were already filmed, but were ultimately removed. Fuqua later confirmed in interviews that legal constraints played a decisive role in the decision, with multiple reports indicating that a prior settlement agreement between the Jackson estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of abuse in the early 1990s, prevented any dramatization of those allegations. Producers were reportedly unaware of these restrictions until production was already underway, leading to extensive and costly reshoots funded by the estate.Even though that controversy is not part of the film itself, some members of Jackson’s family have expressed dissatisfaction with its direction, including Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, and Janet Jackson, his sister. Paris also said on social media that her script feedback was ignored.From the film 'Michael'Jaafar Jackson, 29, had never acted before. He was working mainly in music and had also collaborated with his father. Then came the phone call from Graham King, who invited him to lunch.“I think he was just really observing me, the mannerisms and things. I think he felt like I was auditioning for him at the lunch when I really wasn't,” Jaafar said.When King first invited you to lunch, did you think he was going to offer you the role?