Juliano Krue Valdi has been cast to play young Michael Jackson in Lionsgates and UIP’s film Michael. The nine-year-old will play the iconic member of the Jackson 5 in the movie directed by Antonie Fuqua from a screenplay by Oscar nominee John Logan.

Overseen by Jackson’s estate, Michael will follow the singer’s tumultuous life and career from childhood to his death. Alongside Valdi, Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the grown-up pop star.

Valdi spoke to The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “This opportunity is really 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. He makes me feel really special and makes me feel good about myself. I love the energy of Michael Jackson.”

Fuqua admitted the task of finding a child actor to fill the star-studded role of young Michael Jackson was not an easy task, saying, “If anything, casting the role of the young Michael was more difficult than casting the adult role because where do you find a child actor with the chops of the greatest entertainer who ever lived? In the end, that was our focus- talent- and we looked far and wide for an actor who could embody Michael’s spirit through his voice, his charisma, and his dance skills. Juliano’s undeniable, raw talent put him at the top of our list.”

Michael is slated for an April 18, 2025, theatrical release.