Jaafar Jackson says ‘Michael’ sequel could explore abuse allegations from singer’s perspective

Jaafar Jackson has indicated that the planned sequel to Michael could venture into territory largely avoided by the first film, with the actor hoping it will examine the child sexual abuse allegations against his late uncle from Michael Jackson’s perspective. Jaafar, who portrayed the King of Pop in the 2026 biopic, said the Jackson family has long felt that Michael’s own voice has been missing from accounts of the controversies that surrounded the later years of his life.

Speaking to GQ Middle East, the 30-year-old actor acknowledged that he does not decide what material will eventually make it into the sequel. He nevertheless said he believes a second film could provide greater insight into his uncle’s point of view. Jaafar argued that much of the public narrative surrounding the allegations has come from other people and said the family considers it important that Michael’s perspective is represented, particularly when depicting his later life.

Sequel enters difficult territory

The subject presents a considerable challenge for the filmmakers. Michael Jackson faced allegations of child sexual abuse beginning in the 1990s, which he denied. In 2005, he stood trial in California on child molestation and other charges and was acquitted on all counts. Further allegations emerged after his death in 2009 and have remained the subject of civil litigation and intense public debate.

The first Michael largely avoided that period altogether. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film concentrates on Jackson’s childhood, his emergence with the Jackson 5 and his transformation into a global solo star, before ending in 1988 during the Bad era. That narrative cut-off meant the film concluded several years before the allegations that would become inseparable from discussions of Jackson’s legacy.

Material relating to the allegations had originally been contemplated for the first film. However, the production underwent substantial changes, with scenes dealing with Jackson’s later controversies removed before release. The finished film instead focused on his rise and musical achievements, leaving the more contentious portion of his life for a potential follow-up.

Family wants Michael’s voice

Jaafar defended the approach taken by the first instalment, saying it was important for audiences to understand Michael as a person before reaching the controversies of the 1990s and beyond. He described his uncle as someone who retained a sense of kindness despite the scrutiny and difficulties he experienced.

For Jaafar, the sequel could therefore serve a different purpose. Rather than simply extending the chronology of Jackson’s career, it could attempt to show how the singer experienced the accusations and their effect on his personal and professional life. Jaafar said the absence of Michael’s voice from much of the discussion surrounding the allegations has long frustrated the family.

That approach is also likely to attract scrutiny. Any film backed by Jackson’s estate that tackles the allegations will face questions about how it represents the claims, the accusers and Jackson’s denials. The challenge for the filmmakers will be particularly acute if the sequel seeks to present Michael’s perspective while covering allegations that remain deeply contested.

Jaafar set to return

Jaafar, the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson, is expected to reprise the title role in the follow-up. His performance in Michael marked his first major film role and required him to recreate his uncle’s distinctive voice, appearance, dance movements and stage performances.

The sequel is in development at Lionsgate and the Jackson estate, although detailed information about its storyline has yet to be announced. Reports indicate that some material produced during work on the original film could potentially contribute to the second instalment.

What now promises to distinguish the sequel is the period of Jackson’s life it may have to confront. The first film could tell the story of an extraordinary rise without entering the controversies that followed. A second film covering his later years will have far less room to avoid them. Jaafar’s comments suggest that, if those allegations are addressed, the Jackson family wants the singer’s perspective to occupy a central place in how that chapter is told.