April 3 (UPI) — Jaafar Jackson is looking back on his “emotional” transformation for the Michael biopic.
The singer and actor discussed playing his late uncle, pop star Michael Jackson, in the film during Thursday’s episode of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
Jaafar, 29, is the son of Jermaine Jackson, who performed with Michael and their brothers Jackie, Tito and Marlon in the pop group the Jackson 5.
“It was really a surreal, a spiritual moment at the same time,” he said of seeing himself as Michael for the first time.
“You know, spending all those hours in the makeup chair. And thanks to the incredible Bill Corso, who’s the head of makeup on the film, just that process of seeing me slowly transform into Michael was, it was emotional.”
Jaafar performs several of Michael’s hits in the film, including “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” He recreated the “Thriller” music video in the same location where Michael filmed the iconic 1983 original.
“The same exact location for two nights, all through the night. We actually had a full moon on one of those nights, which is crazy,” the star said.
“Just being at that location … was incredible,” he added.
Michael opens in theaters April 24.
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