Overview
- In a new Playboy interview reported by TMZ, Nia Long said she is tuning out critics and protecting her peace as she takes on the role of Katherine Jackson.
- Long called Katherine Jackson the real hero of the story and said she aimed to honor a mother who held the family together during Michael Jackson's rise.
- She plays opposite Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, who makes his acting debut as the singer in director Antoine Fuqua's biopic.
- Long described a personal link to Michael Jackson, noting her mother worked at his record label and recalling a brief backstage meeting that shaped how she approached the role.
- The film is set to open in theaters on April 24, and both Long and Fuqua said the cast focused on care and accuracy, with Fuqua praising Jaafar Jackson's years of preparation.