A biracial actor has been cast to play young Michael Jackson in a new biopic titled “Michael.”
Juliano Krue Valdi, a 9-year-old newcomer, is cast to play young Michael in his early days in the Jackson 5, according to Variety.
“When Michael was very young – 11 years old – he astounded the world, possessing the spirit and talent of an adult. He was truly an old soul. He and Juliano have that in common,” said producer Graham King.
“Beyond being a phenomenal young talent, Juliano is deeply inspired by Michael and his music, and has managed to translate that inspiration into a presence and performance that captures the true magic of young Michael Jackson.”
But Michael’s fans on Black Twitter wonder why the producers didn’t cast a Black actor to play young Michael.
One Twitter/X user wrote: “Michael Jackson wasn’t bi racial or a lighter skinned Black American, You people are revising our history right before our eyes.”
Another user wrote: “They couldn’t find a little Black boy. This kid looks mixed.”
And a third person wrote: “So the casting director thought Michael Jackson was that complexion his whole life apparently.”
I'm I missing something? Michael wasn't a biracial kid, he was a black kid with a big African nose. They keep casting biracial people to play black icons : the girl who played Aaliyah, Zoë Saldana playing Nina Simone. C'mon
— Nature (@EarthWindOrgasm) January 18, 2024
This child looks mixed. In this case it is extremely important that Michael look like a dark skinned black boy with a broad nose.
— OHSportsgirl (@OHSportsGirl) January 18, 2024
