Jackson family joins fans in Berlin for premiere of Michael Jackson biopic

Thousands of Michael Jackson fans, many in military jackets or aviator sunglasses inspired by the pop icon's many famous looks, gathered in Berlin on Friday (April 10) night for the international premiere of the biopic "Michael" starring the singer's nephew. 

Jaafar Jackson, who was 12 when his uncle died in 2009,  said he immersed himself in archives of footage to prepare for the role, while also drawing on his own memories. 

"One of my favourites is when I first saw him on stage performing in New York for the first time, which was the best experience for me," he told Reuters along the red carpet. 

Jackie Jackson, one of the Jackson 5 who also pursued his own music career, said that he would at times forget that it was Jaafar on the screen and not his brother when watching the film.

"He became Michael in the film," he said. 

The film follows Michael Jackson's rise from a member of the Motown group Jackson 5, alongside his brothers, to him striking out on a solo career with ubiquitous hits like "Thriller" and "Beat It," and the iconic outfits that went along with them. 

However, any mention of the most controversial aspects of Jackson's story - child molestation allegations - were removed after attorneys for his estate realized a legal settlement with an accuser barred discussion of the accusations in the movie, according to a source with knowledge of the production. 

The biggest opening for a musical biopic is $60.2 million in the United States and Canada for 2015 film "Straight Outta Compton." 

The Box Office Pro website projects that "Michael," which opens in theatres on April 24, will top that, with sales possibly exceeding $80 million.

-Oliver Barth, Miranda Murray, Anna Dittrich/Reuters