Colman Domingo, fresh off his first Oscar nomination for his role in “Rustin,” is set to take on a new challenge in the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael.” Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film will see Domingo portraying Joe Jackson, the controversial patriarch and talent manager of the Jackson family. The movie, which stars Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the King of Pop, is slated for release in April 2025.
Domingo, known for his charismatic presence and versatile acting skills, shared his excitement about the project during an interview at the 2024 BET Awards. He emphasized the complexity of Michael Jackson’s character and the film’s aim to present a nuanced portrayal of the legendary artist. “Michael Jackson is undeniably one of the most prolific artists that has ever been on this planet,” Domingo said. “He’s a complicated human being, and I think what the film will do is tell the story of a very complicated person.”
The biopic has already sparked discussions and debates, particularly concerning Michael Jackson’s history with sexual abuse allegations. Critics have questioned whether the film will address these controversies honestly. Studio executives have assured that the movie will offer a “riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man,” focusing on both his undeniable creative genius and his personal struggles.
Domingo is committed to bringing authenticity to his role as Joe Jackson, a figure known for his hard-driving management style and often controversial parenting methods. “I’m excited to be a part of a film that explores both the complicated soul of the legendary Michael Jackson as well as his impact on music and culture as a global icon,” Domingo stated. He also expressed his admiration for Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his late uncle, describing it as “divine” and “on another level.”
The film’s director, Antoine Fuqua, and producer, Graham King, have high praise for Domingo’s involvement. “Few actors present themselves with Colman’s screen presence and force of will,” King said. “We’re so fortunate to have an actor with his undeniable talent portraying Joe Jackson on screen.” Fuqua added, “Colman has such incredible range – he puts in the work to deeply inhabit his characters and understand their true essence and motivation.”
The casting of Jaafar Jackson as Michael has also generated significant buzz. Photos and videos from the set have shown Jaafar in iconic Michael Jackson outfits, including the famous “Thriller” look, and his resemblance to his uncle is striking. Domingo believes that Jaafar’s performance will leave audiences in awe. “When people watch Jaafar Jackson and what he does, they’re gonna be blown away,” he said. “There’s sort of this spiritual connection that he has with his late uncle – it’s beautiful.”
The film will feature more than 30 of Michael Jackson’s songs, aiming to do justice to the music star’s legacy. A trailer shown at CinemaCon included scenes of the Jackson 5 performing “ABC” and Michael Jackson’s solo performance of “Man in the Mirror,” capturing the essence of his stage presence and the intense media scrutiny he faced.
In addition to Domingo and Jaafar Jackson, the cast includes Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Michael’s manager. The film will also portray Michael’s four brothers, with eight actors sharing the roles to depict different stages of their lives.
Domingo’s involvement in the Michael Jackson biopic adds another significant project to his already impressive resume. His performance in “Rustin” has earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations, including a BAFTA, SAG Award, and Golden Globe. He is also an Emmy winner for his guest role on HBO’s “Euphoria” and has appeared in notable films such as “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Zola.”
Looking ahead, Domingo has several exciting projects lined up. He will star in Ethan Coen’s movie “Drive-Away Dolls” and the feature film “Sing, Sing.” He is also set to appear in “The Madness,” a new Netflix limited series.
As the release date for “Michael” approaches, anticipation continues to build. The film promises to offer a fresh perspective on Michael Jackson’s life, exploring both his artistic brilliance and the complexities of his personal journey. With a talented cast and a dedicated production team, “Michael” aims to be a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Source: Variety, ET, The Hollywood Reporter
