Beloved actress Nia Long has been cast to play Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, in the upcoming biopic Michael.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, will follow the King of Pop’s life and legacy, including his highs and lows and how he eventually became the greatest performer of all time. Aside from Long, Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play his uncle in the starring role, while Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson, the family patriarch.

“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career,” Fuqua said of Long in Variety. “I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stick with you. I’m pleased to now collaborate with her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson, a lady who was the Jackson family’s glue, rock, and heart throughout both its best and worst periods.”

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The Missing actress commented on Katherine’s important part, saying, “Katherine Jackson is a tremendous pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless, enduring forces beyond her control but still contributing to the creation of an immeasurable legacy.

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Long, best known for her appearances in Soul Food, Friday, The Best Man, and Love Jones, has lately appeared in the Storm Reid-led drama Missing, the Netflix comedy You People, and other projects.

Unlike 1992’s The Jacksons: An American Dream, which concentrated on The Jackson 5, Michael would focus on Jackson, a “brilliant yet complicated man,” according to the film’s synopsis.

Michael is set to premiere in theaters on April 18, 2025.

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