“Michael,” the splashy forthcoming biopic about Michael Jackson from director Antoine Fuqua, has added actor Laura Harrier in a key role.
Harrier, of “BlacKkKlansman” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming” fame, will portray pioneering female music executive Suzanne de Passe in the Lionsgate project.
De Passe was a creative assistant to Motown founder Berry Gordy, and is credited with convincing Gordy to sign The Jackson 5 to his label. De Passe costumed the world famous family group in early days, and later played a critical role in bringing the band and other Motown sensations to live television. She worked closely with Michael Jackson from childhood, standing by him as a teacher and mentor, helping him navigate the music business.
Harrier is a Screen Actors Guild award nominee for her work in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” and also appeared in the Ryan Murphy Netflix original series “Hollywood.” She most recently starred opposite Jack Harlow in an update of the comedy classic “White Men Can’t Jump.” She is repped by Entertainment 360, CAA, Peikoff Mahan Law and Shelter PR.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will make his screen debut playing his uncle in the Fuqua film, while 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will portray the King of Pop from his early days in the Jackson 5. Graham King of GK Films (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) is producing, with a script from three-time Oscar nominee John Logan.
“Michael,” currently in production, has added a slew of cast in recent weeks. Colman Domingo and Nia Long will play family heads Joe and Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller will play Jackson’s attorney and advisor John Branca. Eight actors will portray Jackson’s siblings over two time periods, Variety reported in February.
Jamal R. Henderson plays Jermaine Jackson in the film’s later years, while Jayden Harville plays the younger version. Tre Horton and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter share the role of Marlon Jackson; Rhyan Hill and Judah Edwards are Tito; and Joseph David-Jones and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre play the elder and younger versions of Jackie Jackson, respectively.
Lionsgate will release “Michael” on April 18, 2025. Variety profiled de Passe in 2022, read here about her experience and see archival footage of the executive working with the Jackson 5.
