Colman Domingo, fresh from earning his first Oscar nomination, has landed a significant role in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic titled “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua. Domingo will portray Joe Jackson, the father of Michael Jackson, in a film that also features Jaafar, Michael’s real-life nephew, as the King of Pop, and 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi portraying the young Michael.
Expressing his excitement about working with Jaafar, Domingo remarked, “Jermaine Jackson’s son is playing Michael, and he is breathtaking, and I think Graham King, the producer, has assembled an incredible cast.” In his statement, Domingo acknowledged the complexity of his character, Joe Jackson, the manager of the Jackson 5, who is a controversial figure in Michael Jackson’s legacy.
Domingo, known for his versatility and impactful screen presence, earned praise from producer Graham King for his ability to portray the multifaceted aspects of Joe Jackson. Having recently been nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars for his role in “Rustin,” Domingo is recognized for his significant contributions to the film industry.
Production for “Michael” began on January 22, with Jaafar sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram, showcasing his transformation into the iconic pop icon. The biopic aims to provide an honest and compelling portrayal of Michael Jackson, exploring both his triumphs and struggles on a grand cinematic scale.
Scheduled for release on April 18, 2025, “Michael” is a collaborative effort between Graham King, the producer, and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain. While Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution, Universal Pictures International is set to oversee global territories, excluding Japan.
Colman Domingo, whose busy 2024 schedule includes executive producing the horror film “It’s What’s Inside,” is not only contributing to the industry’s creative landscape but also making appearances in feature films like Ethan Coen’s “Drive-Away Dolls” and Greg Kewdar’s “Sing Sing,” where he also takes on a producing role.
Domingo’s dynamic career continues to thrive, and his involvement in “Michael” is eagerly anticipated as it adds depth to the exploration of Michael Jackson’s life and legacy on the big screen.
