Most movie screenings start the same way. The lights go down and the film begins.
This one started with one of the most famous faces in Hollywood walking up front to introduce it.
It happened a week ago today, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the WME Screening Room in Beverly Hills. The film was “Michael,” the big-screen story of Michael Jackson’s life. Its star is Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s own nephew.
If you’re just getting to know Jaafar, here’s the family tree. He’s the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother. So when Jaafar steps into his uncle’s shoes on screen, he’s playing someone he’s connected to by blood.
The night was part of Lionsgate’s awards-season “For Your Consideration” campaign. It’s the time of year when studios want people in the business to see their films, and this screening came with a talk afterward and a reception.
So who stood up front to get things started?
It was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. One of Hollywood’s biggest stars introduced the screening, according to MJVibe, a Michael Jackson news site that reported on the evening two days later. MJVibe didn’t share what he said, and we won’t guess. But having a star that big open the night tells you how much attention this movie is getting.
After the film, Jaafar sat down for a question-and-answer session. And the actor sitting next to him was Colman Domingo.
In “Michael,” Colman plays Joe Jackson, the father of the Jackson family. Joe was Michael’s dad. He was also Jermaine’s dad.
Which makes him Jaafar’s grandfather.
Think about that for a second. Jaafar spent the evening answering questions next to the man who plays his real grandpa in a movie about his real uncle. That’s a pretty personal seat to be sitting in.
Joe Jackson passed away in 2018. On screen, Colman brings him back into the family’s story, and that night the actor and the grandson got to sit up front together.
And Beverly Hills wasn’t even their first stop. Earlier that same day, the two of them did another screening and Q&A in Los Angeles, at the Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists. So Jaafar and Colman did the whole routine twice in one day, back to back.
MJVibe posted real photos from the Beverly Hills night, credited to January Images, along with a couple of short clips on its own site. If you want a feel for how these two get along, this late-night TV visit is a good place to start, because Jaafar talks about playing his uncle and about working with Colman Domingo.
Jaafar Jackson talks about playing his uncle and working with Colman Domingo
It’s a busy stretch for Michael’s nephew. On Monday, Nov. 16, he’s set to receive a Critics Choice acting honor.
For now, though, the picture from that Beverly Hills room is a nice one to hold on to. A Jackson grandson and his movie grandpa, sitting side by side and taking questions together.