This Is It!
The stars of the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic glided onto the Dolby Theatre red carpet in Los Angeles on April 20, kicking off a night sparkling with fashion, sentiment, and heartfelt tributes as the world gears up for the film’s release later this week. The buzz surrounding the biopic has reached a fever pitch, as if to ask, “Can you feel it?”
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film traces the life and career of the King of Pop, while a who’s-who of the industry and the Jackson clan gathered to celebrate on the black carpet.
Jaafar Jackson
Central to the evening was Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who steps into his uncle’s legendary shoes for the film. At 29, Jaafar arrived in a crisp, understated black ensemble crafted by Petar Boy, a choice that kept the focus on the story rather than the wardrobe. On the red carpet, Jaafar told ExtraTV how thrilling it felt to see himself inhabit Michael on the big screen:
“It was a lifetime experience or I should say a defining moment in my life,” he said, visibly moved.
He acknowledged that, despite months of preparation, he still hadn’t fully “nailed” every one of Jackson’s signature moves. Yet the exhilaration of watching the audience react to his performance, and the chance to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime project, made the moment unforgettable.
La Toya Jackson
Jaafar wasn’t the sole Jackson family member turning heads. His aunt, La Toya Jackson, embraced the event’s timeless motif in a flowing black satin gown, complemented by opera-length gloves, a dazzling diamond necklace, a bold red lip, and softly waved hair. In conversation with Variety, she reflected on the family’s excitement about Fuqua’s project when he initially approached them with the idea.
“I said this is wonderful and just make sure it’s true to life,” she recalled.
La Toya also gushed about Jaafar’s performance, revealing that at moments she and other family members forgot they weren’t watching Michael, whom she affectionately called “Mike.”
“Jaafar was absolutely fabulous,” she added.
Nia Long
Adding her own star power to the night, Nia Long shone in a radiant Pamella Roland gown, with a bold red lip that perfectly complemented the shimmering fabric. In her role as Katherine Jackson, the family matriarch, Long highlighted the elder stateswoman’s quiet resilience and assured energy. She explained her goal was to portray the icon “with grace, patience, love, and groundedness.”
She continued,
“Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to be quiet, and watch and listen and gently encourage and I think that is what the divine feminine energy is all about. Not always being forceful and loud…but deliberate.”
Long noted that fully embodying the character through hair and makeup helped bring Katherine Jackson to life, and when asked about a potential sequel, she didn’t hesitate:
“Of course I want to do it, like why not!”
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo, portraying Joe Jackson, arrived in a tailored black Maison Valentino tuxedo, exuding the polished mentorship and authority of the family patriarch with a touch of modern sophistication.
Kendrick Sampson
Meanwhile, Kendrick Sampson, who takes on the role of the iconic producer Quincy Jones in the Michael biopic, paid homage to late‑1960s and early‑’70s style with a coral blue suit featuring flared trousers and broad cuffs—pure retro glamour.
Wale
Not to be outdone, Wale paid tribute to the King of Pop with a red‑carpet look inspired by Michael, incorporating nods to Jackson’s most memorable wardrobe moments. He even broke into some of the King of Pop’s signature moves on the carpet, much to the press’s delight.
Other attendees at the Michael premiere on the Dolby Theatre red carpet joined the chorus of homage, sporting bedazzled jackets and classic red leather—creating a cohesive, celebratory sea of tribute.
As the energy inside the theater surged, audiences looked forward to the film’s worldwide release on April 24. With its blend of family perspective, standout performances, and stylish tributes, the Michael Jackson biopic is poised to be a must-watch for fans and cinema lovers alike.
