Fresh off his recent Oscar nomination, the versatile actor Colman Domingo is gearing up to step into the shoes of yet another iconic personality. The celebrated star of “Rustin” is ready to depict the late Joe Jackson in the much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic titled “Michael,” as revealed by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International in a press release on Thursday.
Scheduled to hit the screens on April 18, 2025, the biographical film will feature Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the King of Pop, in the titular role. Colman Domingo, at the age of 54, will join the cast as Joe Jackson, the patriarch who managed the legendary Jackson 5 and his daughters Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet during the dynamic era spanning from the 1960s to the ’80s.
Advertisement
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Domingo shared his thoughts in the press release, stating, “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.” He continued, shedding light on the complexity of his character, “Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat for Jaafar’s incredible transformation.”
Domingo went on to praise Jaafar Jackson, expressing awe at the young actor’s ability to channel the essence of his late uncle during rehearsals. “After seeing him in rehearsal, my mind was blown. There is something divine about the way that Jaafar is channeling his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael’s essence is simply on another level.”
The director at the helm of this highly-anticipated biopic is none other than Antoine Fuqua, who commended Colman Domingo’s acting prowess, noting his “incredible range.” Fuqua praised Domingo for his dedication to deeply understanding and embodying his characters. “I’m grateful to be working with an actor with his passion and ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: a husband, a father and a manager,” Fuqua added in the statement.
As the film promises to delve into the multifaceted aspects of Michael Jackson’s life and legacy, fans and cinema enthusiasts can anticipate an engaging portrayal of the legendary artist’s journey, with Domingo’s portrayal of Joe Jackson adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.