Michael Jackson’s eldest son, Prince Jackson, is weighing in on the “most magical” part of the Michael biopic.
“For those of us who were lucky enough to grow up with The Jackson 5 and the Jacksons, hopefully, it will [reinstate] that feeling of nostalgia and fun and family,” Prince, 29, said during an interview with ABC News on Thursday, April 23.
Prince also hopes that the movie, which he executive produced, will reach the younger generation.
“I hope that it contextualizes the growth and the rise to stardom and the hard work and effort that my father put into [his career],” Prince continued. “Overall, just being a really fun, entertaining time for children of all ages.”
The movie — which hits theaters on Friday, April 24 — stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew and Prince’s cousin, along with Colman Domingo, Miles Teller and Nia Long, among others. Prince said on Thursday that it was “one of the greatest experiences of my life” seeing Jaafar, 29, transform into Michael on screen.
“The first time that I saw him in person in his hair and makeup was really an emotional shock because I had not seen my father in a long time,” Prince said, holding back tears. “Jafaar just embodied him and brought him back in that moment.”
Prince recalled it being “difficult to maintain and keep composure,” so he took a “step outside.”
He also confessed that “authenticity” was the biggest hurdle of making the film.
“We wanted to approach it from a way that audiences — again, of all ages — could understand who he was as a person,” Prince continued. “Our goal was to tell the story of Michael.”
Prince noted that he “learned” a lot about his late father through the moviemaking process and has even more appreciation for Michael’s rise to fame.
“I’m just blown away, I’m inspired, I’m very proud,” Prince said.
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Known as The King of Pop, Michael kicked off a wildly successful solo music career after starting in The Jackson 5 alongside his siblings. Michael died at age 50 in June 2009. Along with Prince, he was also the father of daughter Paris, 28, and son Bigi, 24.
Prince noted on Thursday that his extended family’s reaction to the movie has been “overwhelmingly positive,” revealing that several of them spent time on set. (Paris and Janet Jackson, however, were notably absent from the film’s recent Los Angeles premiere.)
“As [a] family, we’re very supportive and we were every bit confident that Jafaar would perform, but I’m happy to say that I think Jafaar greatly exceeded our expectations,” Prince added. “I’m blown away with what he has done here.”
