As fans eagerly await the 2026 release of Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about the late King of Pop, one member of music’s royal family is already inspiring casting buzz of her own — Janet Jackson.
During a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Oscar-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson once again voiced her belief that The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey would be the perfect fit to portray a young Janet Jackson on the big screen.
While promoting her new album Love?…Or Something Like It, released October 24, Bailey joined Hudson to discuss music, film projects, and motherhood. In the middle of their conversation, Hudson paused to praise Halle’s striking resemblance to the pop icon.
“I can’t unsee it,” Jennifer told her guest as the studio audience applauded. “Will you ever play Janet Jackson or somebody? Because you favor a young Janet. I vote for you if there’s ever a role.”
Flattered by the comparison, Halle smiled and replied,
“Oh my goodness, that would be cool. That would be really cool.”
This isn’t the first time Hudson has expressed her casting wish. Back in December 2024, she told Bailey the same thing during a previous interview — and Halle admitted she’d be open to stepping into Janet’s legendary shoes.
“I would love to [play Janet] one day. People think I’m in the Michael movie, but I’m not,” she said then. “Still, I would love to portray her one day. That would be cool.”
With her powerful vocals, acting range, and undeniable resemblance, Halle Bailey might just be the perfect choice to bring Janet Jackson’s story to life whenever the time comes.
