Jaafar Jackson Reveals the Movie That Motivated Him to Play Michael Jackson

When preparing to step into the shoes of his uncle and one of the most iconic entertainers in history, Jaafar Jackson didn’t turn to another musical biopic for inspiration. Instead, he watched the 2014 psychological drama, Whiplash. During a conversation with Miles Teller, who plays John Branca in Michael, Jackson revealed his love for the movie (via Interview Magazine).

I’m not just saying this because I’m speaking to you, because I’ve shared this with Graham—when I was preparing, before you were even brought on, there are a few films I would watch to inspire me, and Whiplash helped me continue that repetition and obsession for greatness. So when Graham told me that he was having lunch with you, I was like, “Wait, I’d love that.” It was a full-circle moment for me. I’m glad we got to share that on set.

Whiplash features Teller as a Jazz drummer named Andrew, who pushes himself beyond his physical and emotional limits under the brutal mentorship of J.K. Simmons’ Terence Fletcher. Now, let’s look at what else Jackson said about the movie and working alongside Teller, followed by why watching Whiplash while trying to embody Michael fits perfectly! 

Jaafar Jackson on Whiplash and Working With Miles Teller 

Jaafar Jackson’s admiration for Whiplash made his eventual collaboration with Miles Teller feel surreal! In an interview with Discussing Film, he shared that long before his co-star was on board, Whiplash had become an important part of his preparation. 

It really was, and I have shared this with Miles as well, before I knew he was going to be cast in the film to play John Branca, there were times when I would actually put Whiplash on in my process because I always felt a lot of motivation, just seeking greatness. It was a film I would put on every now and then, so when I got a call that Miles Teller was being cast to play John Branca in the film, I was like, there’s no way. That’s one of my favorite films, Whiplash. And I’ve always admired it so, I was able to express that to him when we were working together. 

In Michael, Teller portrays John Branca, the lawyer who played a major role in Michael Jackson’s business career. For Jaafar Jackson, sharing the screen with an actor who helped him connect deeper to the role he was playing must have only deepened the significance of their collaboration. 

How Whiplash Mirrors Michael Jackson’s Pursuit of Greatness 

Whiplash and Michael exist in different worlds, but both revolve around individuals who are driven by an almost dangerous obsession with greatness. In Whiplash, Andrew sacrifices his relationship, health, and mental stability, practicing until his hands bleed. 

Here’s an overview of the movie:

Title	Whiplash
Director	Damien Chazelle
Cast	Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser
Running Time	106 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer | Popcornmeter, as per May 11, 2026)	94% | 94%

Perhaps Jaafar Jackson needed to see that kind of drive to not just tap into the role of Michael Jackson, but also understand his uncle to some extent. Another parallel is the presence of a strict and almost abusive authoritarian figure in the lives of Andrew and the King of Pop.

So, have you watched Whiplash? And if yes, do you see why Jaafar Jackson chose this particular film to feel inspired? 

Michael is currently in theaters, and Whiplash is available to rent and purchase on Prime Video (USA).