Jaafar Jackson reveals why Janet Jackson may have declined to appear in ‘Michael’
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The actor says his aunt has considered a film of her own and wanted to avoid complicating how she might eventually tell her story.
Janet Jackson may be considering telling her life story in a biopic of her own, according to her nephew Jaafar Jackson; the icon chose not to be portrayed in “Michael,” the blockbuster film starring Jaafar as her late brother.
Jaafar addressed his aunt’s absence from the film while discussing the Jackson family and his portrayal of Michael Jackson, Entertainment Weekly reported. He told GQ Middle East that Janet “has ideas of maybe doing her own film,” suggesting that appearing as a character in “Michael” could complicate how she later chooses to tell her own story.
“I don’t want to speak too early, but Janet has ideas of maybe doing her own film. So having someone portrayed in this and then choosing a different actor for her own is just…” shared Jaafar.
Janet has not publicly announced a biopic, and no studio, director, cast or release date has been attached to such a project.
Her decision not to participate in “Michael” was previously confirmed by her sister La Toya Jackson. Speaking at the film’s Los Angeles premiere in April, La Toya said Janet had been asked to take part but “kindly declined,” adding that her wishes should be respected.
Director Antoine Fuqua has also said there appears to be no tension between Janet and the production. He said she remained supportive of Jaafar behind the scenes despite choosing not to participate in the movie.
Released April 24, “Michael” follows Michael Jackson from his Jackson 5 years through the height of his solo career in the late 1980s. The film became the first biopic to surpass $1 billion worldwide, with a sequel now in development.
Jaafar recently said he expects the second film to give more insight from Michael’s perspective as it moves into the allegations and controversies surrounding the later years of his life.
Janet has already taken a hands-on approach to documenting her own history. The four-part “Janet Jackson.” documentary premiered on Lifetime and A&E in 2022, giving her space to discuss her childhood, career, relationships and complicated bond with Michael in her own words.
For now, the Janet Jackson biopic remains an idea described publicly by Jaafar rather than a formally announced production. If it moves forward, it would give the pop icon another opportunity to control how her decades-long career and personal history are presented onscreen.