The man playing Michael Jackson in Lifetime's upcoming movie, Michael Jackson:Searching for Neverland

Exclusive: Meet the Man Playing the King of Pop in Lifetime's 'Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland'

The Lifetime biopic Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland has found its lead in M.J. tribute artist, Navi, and he sat down with ET to talk about the upcoming project.

The Trinidad native has had numerous plastic surgery operations, changing his nose, cheekbones and chin just to look more like the late King of Pop.

"I used to work for him as a decoy, and I performed at his birthday parties." Navi told ET's Nischelle Turner. "Even when he went through the trials, I stood outside the courthouse and I stood there with a sign that said, 'Smooth but not a Criminal'. To me it was important that I wanted Michael to know I believe in him."

The Tv movie, based on the best-selling book, Remember the Time, will focus on the last three years of Jackson's life, as told through the eyes of his two bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Jacob Beard.

Jackson's 18 year old daughter, Paris previously voiced her distaste for the now cancelled episode of Sky Arts' Urban Myths series centered on a road trip Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando reportedly took. Paris took issue with Joseph Fiennes' portrayal of Jackson, calling it "shameful". She has kept silent on Lifetime's upcoming movie, and while she has been invited to the set, Paris hasn't visited.

"I have spoken to the family in the past, but I haven't spoken to them about this project." Navi admitted. "But I believe that when this project is put, they will know it is a fair and true portrayal."

The movie will mark Navi's acting debut, but he told ET that when it is over, he will return to his true passion.

"I'm going back to pick up my glove, put on my shoes, and get back on stage" he said.

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Personal note: what are your thoughts on this?

No one has been able to do a good job playing Michael yet.                                                                         It looks like this person is serious about depicting the true Michael we the fans know and love. The intelligent man, the loving father, the caring human being with FEELINGS, the man who took on the world's problems and did everything with his resources to create change. This is the one and only Michael that the trash papers and news has been trying to block people from seeing.          Thank you for posting this.

It looks like it's going to be a good movie, here's some of the trailers:

What a movie. Thank you, Navi.

Very good movie I think Navi would have made Michael proud.

Michael would definitely be proud. No games, no shots at him, just truth in a very well produced movie with a serious actor. We already knew the man and kind of father Michael was, but those who don't know get to see the man before the icon and legend, loving, and fiercely protective father.