The Full Cast Revealed: Who Plays The Jackson 5 In The Blockbuster Michael Jackson Biopic?

The excitement surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, has reached a fever pitch, especially with the official unveiling of the actors who will portray the iconic Jackson 5. This film promises to be the definitive cinematic look at the King of Pop’s life, from his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to his global superstardom. With the most recent casting announcements made in late 2024 and early 2025, fans finally have the complete picture of who will bring this legendary musical family to life on the big screen.

As of December 2025, all key roles for the Jackson family, including the two generations of the Jackson 5, have been confirmed by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is set to be a massive production, focusing heavily on the formative Jackson 5 era—the period that launched Michael Jackson’s career. The casting strategy involved finding multiple actors for each brother to accurately depict their transition from young Motown sensations to adult music legends.

The Complete Cast of Michael: Jackson Family & Key Figures

The highly anticipated Michael biopic features a sprawling ensemble cast, carefully selected to capture the likeness and spirit of the Jackson family and the key figures in the Motown era. This list provides a detailed profile of the main actors portraying the Jackson 5 and their parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson.

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• Michael Jackson (Adult): Jaafar Jackson
  • Profile: Jaafar Jackson is the nephew of Michael Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson. A singer and dancer himself, his casting was a highly publicized and family-approved decision, marking his major feature film debut.
• Michael Jackson (Young): Juliano Krue Valdi
  • Profile: A talented young actor and dancer, Juliano Krue Valdi was chosen to portray Michael during his early years as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, showcasing his prodigious talent before he turned 10.
• Joe Jackson (Father): Colman Domingo
  • Profile: An Academy Award-nominated actor (for Rustin), Domingo is known for his powerful, transformative roles. He steps into the formidable role of the family patriarch and manager, Joe Jackson.
• Katherine Jackson (Mother): Nia Long
  • Profile: A celebrated actress with a career spanning decades (Boyz n the Hood, The Best Man), Nia Long portrays the loving and deeply religious mother of the Jackson children, Katherine Jackson.
• Jackie Jackson (Older): Joseph David-Jones
  • Profile: Known for his work on the TV series Arrow and Nashville, David-Jones plays the eldest brother and founding member of the Jackson 5, Jackie Jackson.
• Jackie Jackson (Younger): Nathaniel Logan McIntyre
  • Profile: McIntyre is a young actor who has appeared in projects like David Makes Man. He plays the younger version of Sigmond "Jackie" Jackson.
• Tito Jackson (Older): Rhyan Hill
  • Profile: Rhyan Hill, who has a background in acting and music, takes on the role of Toriano "Tito" Jackson, the group’s guitarist.
• Tito Jackson (Younger): Judah Edwards
  • Profile: A rising young star, Judah Edwards plays the younger Tito Jackson, capturing his early years as a key musical contributor to the group.
• Jermaine Jackson (Older): Jamal R. Henderson
  • Profile: Jamal R. Henderson portrays the older Jermaine Jackson, the Jackson 5's co-lead singer who later pursued a solo career.
• Jermaine Jackson (Younger): Jayden Harville
  • Profile: Jayden Harville plays the younger Jermaine, depicting the sibling rivalry and musical dynamic between him and his younger brother, Michael.
• Marlon Jackson (Older): Tre Horton
  • Profile: An actor with a background in theatre, Tre Horton plays the older version of Marlon Jackson, known as the "Dancing Machine."
• Marlon Jackson (Younger): Jaylen Lyndon Hunter
  • Profile: Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, who has Broadway experience (including playing Young Simba in The Lion King), plays the younger Marlon.

The Jackson 5 Era: Why Dual Casting is Crucial for the Biopic

The decision to cast two actors for nearly every member of the Jackson 5 is a critical element of the film’s narrative scope. The Michael biopic is not just a story about the "King of Pop" but also a deep dive into the dynamic of the family group that launched him. The Jackson 5's journey from Gary, Indiana, to their unprecedented success at Motown Records is a story of rapid growth, intense pressure, and evolving relationships.

The dual casting—a younger actor for the high-energy, early Motown years and an older actor for the transition into their teen years and eventually The Jacksons—allows the film to cover a vast timeline with authenticity. For instance, Juliano Krue Valdi’s portrayal of young Michael will focus on his innocent, prodigious talent, while Jaafar Jackson’s performance will explore the complexities of Michael's later life and career. This strategy is essential for capturing the topical authority of the Jackson family's story, which is fundamentally about the transition from childhood stardom to adult artistry.

The Jackson 5 (originally the Jackson Brothers) were composed of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Their early hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "The Love You Save" defined the bubblegum soul sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film must meticulously recreate this era, which is why the casting search was so extensive, focusing not only on physical resemblance but also on the actors' singing and dancing abilities to honor the group's legendary stage presence.

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Beyond The Jackson 5: Key Supporting Cast and Production Details

While the Jackson 5 are the heart of the film’s early narrative, the Michael biopic has also rounded out its supporting cast with high-profile actors playing other Motown and music legends. This move further solidifies the film’s commitment to providing a comprehensive look at the ecosystem that created the "King of Pop".

Motown and Music Industry Icons

• Diana Ross: Kat Graham
  • The film features Kat Graham (known for The Vampire Diaries) as Diana Ross, the legendary singer who was instrumental in introducing the Jackson 5 to the world.
• Berry Gordy: Larenz Tate
  • Veteran actor Larenz Tate (Menace II Society, Power) plays Motown founder Berry Gordy, the man who signed the Jackson 5 and was a crucial figure in their early career development.
• Quincy Jones: Kendrick Sampson
  • Kendrick Sampson (Insecure) portrays Quincy Jones, the legendary producer who collaborated with Michael Jackson on his most iconic solo albums, including Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.

The sheer number of entities cast—from the eight actors playing the Jackson 5 siblings to the portrayals of Motown's elite—demonstrates the film's ambition to be a truly epic biographical drama. The director, Antoine Fuqua, known for films like Training Day and Emancipation, brings a serious directorial gravitas to the project, ensuring the story is told with intensity and respect for the monumental legacy of the Jackson family.

The production, led by Graham King, the producer behind the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, suggests a high-quality, theatrical experience. The film is expected to delve into the complexities of Michael’s life, including the challenges of child stardom, the demanding relationship with his father, and his groundbreaking solo career that cemented his status as a cultural phenomenon. With filming underway and a release date anticipated in 2026, the Michael biopic is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the decade, offering an unprecedented look at the Jackson 5's incredible rise to global fame.

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