Since Michael was released earlier this year, many have had questions about some of the creative decisions made for it. Fans have especially been wondering why Janet Jackson (and two other siblings) were excluded from what became one of the biggest 2026 movie releases. There’s been a lot of chatter and gossip about why the “Rhythm Nation” icon chose not to be depicted in the movie, but Jaafar Jackson is now sharing his take.
What Jaafar Jackson Says About Janet’s Absence In Michael
Jaafar Jackson is the nephew of both Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, as he’s the son of Jackson 5 member, Jermaine Jackson. So, theoretially, it would make sense that he might have a bit of insight into why his aunt wouldn't want her likeness featured in Michael. While promoting the movie during a recent chat with GQ Middle East, Jaafar shared what he knew about Janet's reasoning, and a family rift apparently isn't the reason:
I don’t want to speak too early, but Janet has ideas of maybe doing her own film. So having someone portrayed in this and then choosing a different actor for her own is just…
Per the interview, he trailed off after these comments but, if Jaafar's biopic claim is true, then it would make sense as to why Janet wouldn't want to be linked to this film. Overall, this comment might excite Janet's fans, who have definitely been calling for the singer to get her own biopic. While Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, Janet has her own story of reaching global stardom, especially in the late '80s and early '90s that’d be worthy of exploring in a film, too.
But, There’s Another Side To The Story
Jaafar Jackson’s update definitely holds more weight than the rumors that have been shared by unnamed sources. However, it’s still worth bringing up what else has been said about why Janet Jackson asked to not be featured in Michael. Janet’s sister, LaToya, told Variety at the film's Los Angeles premiere that she “kindly declined” to be in the movie and that “you have to respect her wishes.”
Another report suggested that Janet Jackson saw an unfinished version of Michael and “hated it” due to parts of it feeling “inaccurate, overly sanitized, and emotionally manipulative.” Though, it should be noted that her nephew was allegedly “never” her issue, and this purportedly happened after she had already declined to be involved with the project. The rumors also suggest that she “made it clear she wanted distance” from the movie.
In any case, Michael finished its box office run with $1.02 billion worldwide, becoming the biggest biographical film of all time. The movie is currently available to stream on STARZ and available to rent/buy on digital platforms and physical formats.
Up next, Jaafar Jackson has signed on to star in an upcoming movie with Will Smith and has been teasing a Michael sequel. Jaafar believes the sequel will offer “more insight” into the late singer’s life and will discuss Jackson’s life following sexual abuse allegations were made about him. As for Janet Jackson, as of this writing, she has not spoken out about why she chose not to be in the film and if she has plans to produce a biopic about her life.
