Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson is playing the King of Pop

The 27-year-old actor admitted he was “humbled and honoured” to have been chosen to portray his uncle - who died in 2009 from acute propofol intoxication aged 50 - in the Antoine Fuqua-helmed movie telling the life story of the King of Pop, which will be simply titled ‘Michael’.

Jaafar - who is the son of the ‘Bad’ hitmaker’s brother Jermaine, 69 - said: “I’m humbled and honoured to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”

The decision was welcomed by the matriarch of the Jackson clan, Katherine Jackson, who believes her grandson “embodies” the spirit of Michael.