TL;DR
- Prince Jackson honors his father in new biopic.
- Film showcases Michael Jackson’s rise to fame.
- Emotional moments shared between cousins.
- Critics call the film ‘sanitized’.
- Prince’s charity work inspired by his father.
In a heartfelt chat with ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis, Prince Jackson, the son of the late pop music icon Michael Jackson, opened up about the highly anticipated biopic, “Michael.” This film, which hit theaters recently, is not just a movie—it’s a love letter from son to father, crafted with the utmost care and emotion.
At just 29, Prince took on the role of executive producer, working alongside renowned director Antoine Fuqua, known for hits like “Training Day” and “The Equalizer.” The biopic takes audiences on a nostalgic journey, chronicling Michael’s rise from his childhood days in The Jackson 5 to his explosive solo career during the iconic Bad tour in the late 1980s. Talk about a glow-up!
“For those of us, like myself and younger, that never got to experience that [part Michael Jackson’s career], I hope that it contextualizes the growth and the rise to stardom and the hard work and effort that my father put into it,” Prince expressed, clearly emotional about the project. He hopes the film reveals a side of his father that fans may not have seen before, and let’s be real, who doesn’t want a peek behind the curtain of such a legendary figure?
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Prince’s cousin and the son of Jermaine Jackson, as the King of Pop himself. The two cousins shared a childhood filled with memories at Hayvenhurst, their grandfather Joe Jackson’s home. “One of the greatest experiences of my life—growing up with Jaafar as we did at Hayvenhurst as siblings, as cousins, making home movies to now here we are making a major motion picture about my father, his uncle—someone we both love very much,” Prince reminisced.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Prince admitted to feeling an emotional shock when he saw Jaafar in costume as his father. “[It] was really an emotional shock because I had not seen my father in a long time,” he revealed. “And it was difficult to maintain and keep composure because I really just wanted to give him a hug in that moment.” Aww, can we get a collective *awww* for that? It’s clear that the bond between these cousins runs deep.
However, not everyone is on board with the film’s approach. Some critics have noted that the biopic feels “sanitized,” avoiding the more controversial aspects of Michael’s life. Prince defended his father’s legacy, stating, “I think that my father is probably one of the most misunderstood people out there. And I hope that you get a glimpse into the life and the cause and effect that made him who he was.” Preach, Prince!
In addition to honoring his father’s legacy through film, Prince is also dedicated to giving back. He highlighted his non-profit, the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, which aims to inspire young people and address social needs. “[Michael Jackson] still made time to give back and used his platform to highlight social needs,” Prince said. “And that’s where we take inspiration at the Heal Los Angeles Foundation … we want to inspire young people to be their best and to give them the tools that they need to succeed.” Talk about a legacy that keeps on giving!
So grab your tissues and get ready to feel all the feels as Prince Jackson honors the King of Pop in a way only he can. This biopic is more than just a film; it’s a celebration of a life lived in the spotlight, filled with love, talent, and a bit of family drama. Who’s ready to watch?