Janet Jackson has spent decades proving that when she wants control, she takes it.
The icon does not move until the music, lighting, and story are exactly where she wants them. Apparently, that rule also applies when Hollywood comes calling.
The first red flag came after reports that Janet chose not to be included in her brother’s biopic, “Michael.”
Then when the Jackson family gathered for the premiere in April, Janet’s empty seat became louder than a “Rhythm Nation” drum break.
Her absence immediately sparked rumors. Some suspected family tension. Others pointed to creative disagreements or a possible sibling feud simmering behind the velvet curtain.
Four months after the movie’s April 24 release, Jaafar Jackson offered a less scandalous explanation. He suggested that Janet declined to be in the film and attend the premiere because she might want to tell her own story.
“I don’t want to speak too early,” Jaafar told GQ Middle East, “but Janet has ideas of maybe doing her own film.”
“So, having someone portrayed in this and then choosing a different actor for her own is just …” he started before leaving the thought unfinished.
The issue around the “Nasty Boy” singer not attending first exploded after the April 20 premiere at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. Jaafar, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, LaToya and Michael’s son Prince attended. Michael’s children Paris and Bigi also skipped the event.
LaToya claimed Janet was asked to participate.
“I wish everybody was in the movie. She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes,” the “Hearts Don’t Lie” singer shared.
The Jasmine Brand posted Jaafar’s comment about his aunt on Instagram, and it quickly turned into a Jackson family referendum.
“There’s no point of Janet being in MICHAEL! She was a small child/teen. Now she can be in MICHAEL 2! Cause of Scream,” one person wrote. Another said, “She has her reasons why she didn’t.”
“Please do it @janetjackson. The truth must be told,” one fan pleaded.
Others smelled drama.
“Whole family full of it. RIP Michael,” one critic snapped.
“So sad cause Michael was the closest with Janet,” another wrote. Someone complained, “The family will continue to capitalize and make the same movie saying absolutely nothing, giving yall fluff every time.”
The awkwardness around the movie became harder to ignore after Michael’s daughter, Paris, publicly distanced herself from the project.
She claimed that her script notes were ignored. Page Six also reported tension during a private family screening. Michael’s estate helped produce the film, which celebrated his triumphs while stepping lightly around his scandals.
Still, fans moonwalked straight to the box office. “Michael” crossed $1 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing music biopic ever.
With the tidbit from Jaafar, fans are hoping this could be a repeat for his aunt.
“Let’s have a JCU Jackson’s Cinematic Universe Jaafar gets to play Michael in Janet’s biopic Janet agrees to be casted in Michael II Both films go on to make $5B box office,” another proposed.
Another rejected Jaafar’s explanation of the “Fame” actor’s absence.
“Sorry but that sounds stupid. She could have picked her own actors to portray her,” the critic wrote.
“So what does that have to do with the fact she wasn’t in the movie?” someone asked.
Fans are already casting for Janet’s possible movie, naming Halle Bailey and Teyana Taylor to play her as lead
Taylor also entered the fantasy casting battle after recreating Janet’s 1990s tour look. Janet called the tribute stunning and said Taylor captured “the energy, the mood.”
This makes sense since she has already made an impact on culture. The two seem to have a mutual respect — with the Harlem native clearly idolizing a little more.
Janet has not confirmed a biopic. However, if one happens, she will control the story. After watching everyone else explain her absence and suggest who should play her, she may also enjoy having the final word.
