Michael Jackson Biography Starring Juliano Krue Valdi as Young Michael

Just a week after confirming an April 18, 2025 release for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, the makers behind the film have cast the young King of Pop.

Nine-year-old actor Juliano Krue Valdi will portray Michael Jackson during his prime in the Jackson 5 – the legendary family group behind such timeless hits as 'I'll Be There', 'ABC' and 'I Want You Back' “. Valdi is well known social media for his Michael Jackson spoofs, with videos of him perfectly performing the moonwalk garnering thousands of likes and views. He is joined by Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who is set to play the late music icon's older version.

“This opportunity is very important to me because Michael Jackson is the king of pop and he is very special in my heart. I've been dancing to his songs for five years now,” Valdi said in a statement. “It makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love Michael Jackson's energy.”

Titled Michaelthe upcoming biopic will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, the director behind the 2001 Oscar-winning Training day and 2022 starring Will Smith Emancipation. In a statement about Valdi's casting, Fuqua said: “Casting the role of young Michael was more difficult than the role of the adult, because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived? Ultimately, that was our focus – the talent – and we searched far and wide for an actor who could embody the spirit of Michael through his voice, his charisma and his dancing skills. Juliano's undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list.”

Michael It also features a number of acclaimed producers, including Academy Award-winner Graham King Bohemian Rhapsody and John Branca and Jon McClain, co-executors of Jackson's estate. Tony winner and three-time Oscar nominee John Logan wrote the screenplay. Michael is to survey Jackson's life and storied career spanning four decades. Principal photography begins next week (January 22).

Michael Jackson is one of the most successful artists of all time. As a solo artist, he scored 13 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits. 1, including “Billie Jean” (seven weeks), “Rock With You” (four weeks) and “Black or White” (seven weeks). On the Billboard 200, the music legend scored six No. 1 albums, including 1982's Impressive work (37 weeks), 1987 Bad (six weeks) and 1991 Dangerous (four weeks).