Michael Jackson Biopic Reveals More of Its Cast, Including Kat Graham as Diana Ross
Newly announced cast members also include Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
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From L: Kat Graham, Jessica Sula, Liv Symone and Kendrick SampsonMore of the Michael actor lineup has been revealed.
On Monday, Lionsgate announced that the cast of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic will also include Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
KeiLyn Durrel Jones is tapped to play Billy Bray, Jackson 5 security turned the King of Pop's longtime security, with Kevin Schnick as American Bandstand host Dick Clark.
The six new faces join previously announced cast members Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life nephew who will star as the late singer, with Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson, Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson (who is Jaafar's father) and Miles Teller as John Branca.
Colman Domingo will star as family patriarch Joe Jackson, while Katherine Jackson, the siblings' mother, will be played by Nia Long.
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From L: Diana Ross, La Toya Jackson, Gladys Knight and Quincy JonesRelated: See the Michael Jackson Biopic Cast, Side by Side with the Real People
In January 2023, it was announced that Lionsgate was working on a film about the "Thriller" hitmaker, which will simply be titled Michael.
"It's incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life," director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement to Variety that month. "There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera."
This past February, Fuqua, 58, said in a statement that 27-year-old Jaafar's performance goes "beyond the physical resemblance" between him and his late uncle.
"It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it," the filmmaker added.
Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate; Pete Still/Redferns
From L: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael (2025); Michael Jackson performing in London on Aug. 20, 1992Producer Graham King told Variety in January 2023 that upon meeting Jaafar, he "was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael."
“It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role," added King, 62. "I am beyond thrilled that he has come on board to portray his uncle and cannot wait for the world to see him on the big screen as Michael Jackson.”
Though Michael will mark his acting debut, Jaafar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He has been singing and dancing since age 12, according to Deadline.
Jaafar also previously appeared in a number of family-oriented projects over the years, including 2015's The Jacksons: Next Generation and Tito's 2021 music video "Love One Another."
Michael is in theaters April 18, 2025.
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