- Lionsgate announced the news on Tuesday. The 54-year-old actor joins Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life 27-year-old nephew, who will play his uncle
- The production also recently cast Juliano Krue Valdi – a nine-year-old actor and dancer who went viral with his dance moves inspired by the King of Pop
- Production began earlier this week, with Lionsgate setting a release date of April 18, 2025
Just days after his Oscar nomination for Rustin, Colman Domingo has signed on to play Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson in the biopic Michael.
Lionsgate announced the news on Tuesday. The 54-year-old actor joins Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life 27-year-old nephew, who will play his uncle in the film.
The production also recently cast Juliano Krue Valdi – a nine-year-old actor and dancer who went viral with his dance moves inspired by the King of Pop.
Production began earlier this week, with Lionsgate setting a release date of April 18, 2025.
Joe worked in a steel mill and even tried his hand at being a professional boxer before overseeing the musical careers of all of his children.
Just days after his Oscar nomination for Rustin, Colman Domingo has signed on to play Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson in the biopic Michael
Joe worked in a steel mill and even tried his hand at being a professional boxer before overseeing the musical careers of all of his children
While The Jackson 5 and Michael's solo career flourished under his leadership, his reputation was tarnished in the late 1980s when reports emerged that he was mistreating his children.
Michael himself claimed that his father was physically and emotionally abusive to him, but also cited his strict methods as the key to his success.
Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) directs from a script by John Logan (Gladiator, Skyfall), and the producer is Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody).
King said in a statement: “Few actors present themselves with Colman's screen presence and willpower.”
He added: “We are so fortunate to have an actor of his undeniable talent portraying Joe Jackson on screen. “We couldn't be more excited to have him on this journey.”
Fuqua added: “Colman has incredible range – he goes to great lengths to delve deep into his characters and understand their true nature and motivations.”
“I am grateful to work with an actor with his passion and ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: a husband, a father and a manager,” said the director.
Domingo stated, “I am excited to be part of a film that explores both the complicated soul of the legendary Michael Jackson and his influence on music and culture as a global icon.”
While The Jackson 5 and Michael's solo career flourished under his leadership, his reputation was tarnished in the late 1980s when reports emerged that he was mistreating his children
Michael himself claimed that his father was physically and emotionally abusive to him, but also cited his strict methods as the key to his success
He added: “We are so fortunate to have an actor of his undeniable talent portraying Joe Jackson on screen.” We couldn't be more excited to have him on this journey.
Fuqua added: “Colman has incredible range – he goes out of his way to delve deeply into his characters and understand their true nature and motivations.”
“Not only am I fortunate enough to portray a rich, complex and flawed character in Joe Jackson, but I also have a front-row seat to the incredible transformation of Jaafar,” Domingo continued.
“After I saw him rehearse, I was blown away. There's something divine about the way Jaafar channels his late uncle. “His talent and the embodiment of Michael’s essence are just on another level,” he concluded.
Domingo won an Emmy for his work in the HBO series “Euphoria,” and in addition to his Oscar nomination, he received BAFTA and SAG Award nominations for “Rustin.”
He recently starred in The Color Purple and will next be seen in Ethan Coen's Drive-Away Dolls, in theaters on February 19th.