Halle Bailey, Ciara, and Teyana Taylor are the fan favorites to portray Janet Jackson in the highly anticipated film “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua.

Photo by Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

The question of who will portray Janet Jackson in her late brother Michael Jackson’s biopic musical drama, “Michael,” has sparked intense speculation. The internet has narrowed down their top three choices to Halle BaileyCiara, and Teyana Tayor.

In this Antoine Fuqua-directed film, Michael is played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson; Joe Jackson is played by Colman Domingo, and Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson. There has been no major announcement on who snagged the role of Janet Jackson–the family’s baby and star, after her big brother, of course.

As the internet buzzes with the potential casting, it’s clear that all three contenders: Halle Bailey, Ciara, and Teyana Taylor, bring unique strengths to the table. The question remains, can Bailey match her counterparts in dance as well as singing?

To be fair, it seems as if Taylor has been preparing her entire life to embody Ms. Jackson. Inspired by Janet’s infamous audience participation shenanigans on tour, Taylor’s sexy performance style often mirrors Jackson’s. Whoever gets the role of a lifetime has to bring it!

But the Jackson family’s creative ventures don’t stop there. Lifetime has announced a follow-up to Janet’s two-part documentary and another documentary titled “Janet Jackson: Family First.” This film will delve into the life of the legendary singer, songwriter, producer, author, actor, and philanthropist as she prepares for her 2023 “Together Again” tour and reunites the family band with brother Randy Jackson after a 40-year hiatus.

‘Michael’ Biopic Cast Revealed: Here’s Who Will Play The Jackson 5, Joe, And Katherine

The Antoine Fuqua-directed film is slated for release on April 18, 2025.

31 Jan 1993: Singer Michael Jackson performs during halftime at Super Bowl XXVII between the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys won the game, 52-17. Mike Powell /Allsport


Michael Jackson‘s life and career exist as one of the most storied journeys in pop culture history. From a traumatic upbringing and childhood stardom, to his global reign in music and an adulthood plagued with perplexing allegations, director Antoine Fuqua sets out to bring the narrative alive.

With dramatized takes and non-fictional documentaries already in existence, the acclaimed director has new hopes for a pending biopic with support from the Jackson family.

Michael, due in theaters on April 18, 2025, seeks to “give audiences an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop.” The description continues to explain, “It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.”


The first announced cast member, and most important role as the Thriller performer himself, stayed in the family. Jaafar Jackon, nephew of the chart-topping performer, will star as his uncle.

“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” expressed producer Graham King. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”

As the production progresses, additional talent has been revealed, including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson.

VIBE will continue to update the growing list of stars as details are revealed. View the confirmed cast list for Michael below.

Jaafar Jackson as Adult Michael Jackson

Photo : Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in MICHAEL. Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate/ Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Jaafar Jackson will take the lead as his uncle, Michael Jackson, in his adult years.

Colman Domingo As Joe Jackson

Photo : Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images ;Bryan Haraway/Getty Images
Colman Domingo will star as Joe Jackson.

Nia Long As Katherine Jackson

Photo : Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Carlo Allegri/Getty Images
Nia Long is set to star as Katherine Jackson.

Juliano Krue Valdi As Young Michael Jackson

Photo : Instagram/julianokrue;CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
Juliano Krue Valdi is set to portray Michael Jackson in his earlier years.

Jayden Harville As Young Jermaine Jackson

L-R: Jayden Harville, Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson

Photo : Lionsgate/Laufer/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Jayden Harville will play a younger Jermaine Jackson.

Jamal R. Henderson As Adult Jermaine Jackson

Photo : Lionsgate;Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Jamal R. Henderson will play Jaermaine Jackon in his later years.

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter As Younger Marlon Jackson

L-R Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Michael Jackson, Marlon Jackson
Photo : Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter will play a younger Marlon Jackson.

Judah Edwards As Young Tito Jackson

L: Judah Edwards R: (L-R) American pop group the Jackson Five at Heathrow Airport, London, UK, November 1972. From left to right, they are the Jackson brothers Marlon, Michael, Randy, Jackie, Jermaine and Tito.
Photo : Lionsgate/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Judah Edwards will portray a young Tito Jackson.

Rhyan Hill As Adult Tito Jackson

Photo : Lionsgate/Anne Cusack-Pool/Getty Images
Rhyan Hill will portray adult Tito Jackson.

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre As Younger Jackie Jackson

L: Nathanial Logan McIntyre, R: L-R; R&B quintet “Jackson Five” pose for a studio portrait sitting on a bench in circa 1972 in Los Angeles, California. L-R: Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson.
Photo : Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for Discovery; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Nathaniel Logan McIntyre will portray Jackie Jackson in his earlier years.

Joseph David-Jones As Adult Jackie Jackson

Photo : Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Joseph David-Jones will portray an older Jackie Jackson