Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic set to take the stage in 2025, has picked nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi to play a young version of the King of Pop.
Valdi’s time as Jackson will see him exploring the music legend’s time as a child star in The Jackson 5. Lionsgate and Universal announced the casting today, with the film set to begin principal photography next week.
“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. “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.”
Valdi has unknowingly prepared to portray Jackson for years. As shared by artist and dancer Montana Tucker on Instagram, Valdi has even spent time perfecting some of the star’s most iconic moves.
Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is already announced to play the adult version of the star. In the directing seat is Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), with Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Departed) set to produce. The script comes from Skyfall and Gladiator writer, John Logan.
“If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived?” Fuqua said. “In the end, that was our focus – talent – and we looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano’s undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list.”
A description for Michael promises to deliver a film with “a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop.” No exact details have been shared, though the film does promise to offer perspective on “his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale.”
Michael is set for a worldwide release on April 18, 2025. It’s a spot that arrived just after Universal decided to push its horror sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver, off the calendar.
Image credit: Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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