Michael Jackson Biopic Casts Juliano Krue Valdi as Young Michael

variety.com:

Jordan Moreau The Michael Jackson biopic has found its young King of Pop. Juliano Krue Valdi, a 9-year-old actor, has been cast as Jackson from his early days in the Jackson 5.

The film, from director Antoine Fuqua, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, will have Valdi playing Jackson “as he and his brothers rise to fame as the Jackson 5, the singing sensation behind such iconic hits as ‘I Want You Back,’ ‘ABC,’ and ‘I’ll Be There,'” it was announced Thursday. “This opportunity is really important to me because Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and he is very special in my heart,” Valdi said in a statement. “I’ve been dancing to his songs for five years now.

He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson.” Krue has amassed nearly 150,000 followers on Instagram and is known for his Jackson-inspired dance moves and costumes.A post shared by Anthony Steverson (@asteverson) Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will star as him in the biopic, titled “Michael.” It begins principal photography next week and will release worldwide on April 18th, 2025.

The film will be Jaafar Jackson’s first major role. According to the release, “Michael” will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop.