Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, left us in 2009 at the ripe old age of 50. But apparently, you can't keep a good legend down. Especially when his biopic, Michael, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, drops in spring 2026 and proceeds to rake in over a billion dollars globally. Because, of course, it does.
This cinematic triumph wasn't just a win for the box office; it introduced MJ's moonwalks and magic to an entirely new generation of fans. Cue the collective gasp of parents realizing their kids are now also obsessed with "Thriller."
On August 29, Michael's oldest son, Prince Jackson, showed up in Las Vegas to celebrate what would have been his dad's 68th birthday. And he brought some thoughts on seeing his father's music — and his father's face — brought back to life.
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Start Your News Detox"It has been so special for me to see the impact that this film has had," Prince told People. "It is really cool to see this new generation become exposed to his music and his message, and I am hopeful it will make the world a better place."
Prince Jackson's Emotional Journey with "Michael"
This Las Vegas appearance was Prince's first public outing since the movie hit theaters, and it's no small thing. Prince was an executive producer on Michael, meaning he had a front-row seat to the whole, rather surreal, process.
Seeing his cousin Jaafar embody his dad was, as you might imagine, a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. "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," he explained.
Prince recounted needing a moment to compose himself because Jaafar's resemblance to Michael was so uncanny. He wanted to hug him, but held back. Prince was only 12 when his father passed, so to see his dad's career and impact on music reignited for a fresh audience, and through the eyes of family, must be something else entirely. Talk about a full-circle moment.
