In an exclusive interview, Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late Michael Jackson, revealed that he will reprise his role as the King of Pop in the upcoming sequel to the Michael biopic. The film, which is currently in development at Lionsgate and the Michael Jackson Estate, aims to provide a more comprehensive look into the allegations of child abuse that have long surrounded Michael Jackson’s name.

When asked about the importance of including Michael Jackson’s perspective on the allegations, Jaafar Jackson emphasized that the second film will offer a more nuanced understanding of the situation. ‘I think the second film will give even more insight from his point of view, because at the end of the day, [the allegations] are always from someone else’s,’ he explained. ‘It’s someone else’s story. It’s someone else’s idea of what it is, and it’s mainly driven by an agenda.’

Jackson went on to express the significance of presenting Michael’s voice and perspective in the face of these allegations. ‘I think that’s very, very important, especially in the late years,’ he said. ‘He never changed that purity, that sense of always wanting to find the good in other people.’

The first film, which was directed by Antoine Fuqua, concluded in 1987 with the release of the Bad music video. However, the sequel will delve deeper into the allegations that emerged in the early 1990s. According to Jaafar Jackson, the filmmakers had initially included scenes addressing the allegations, but they were later removed to focus on Michael Jackson’s journey to stardom and what made him who he is.

‘This first film focuses on Michael from his roots. So you get that idea of who he was before he had all the success and became the icon that people are familiar with, you understand who he was as a human being first, because at the end of the day, that’s who he was in the ’90s until he passed,’ Jaafar Jackson said.

He added that he hopes the second movie will convey the sense of kindness and compassion that defined Michael Jackson’s character. ‘He never stopped treating people with kindness. He never stopped believing in and wanting to look for the good in people… even though he was broken, his heart still stayed the same.’

Jaafar Jackson’s comments come as the sequel to the Michael biopic is set to enter production later this year or early next. In an interview with Deadline, Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson provided an update on the project’s timeline, stating that they are targeting a production start towards the end of this year or early next.