Emmy-Winner Colman Domingo Set To Play Michael Jackson's Father, Joe, In Biopic 'Michael'

Currently basking in the success of his Academy Award nomination, the versatile actor Colman Domingo is preparing to portray yet another iconic figure. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International announced in a press release on Thursday that the acclaimed star of 'Rustin' will take on the role of the late Joe Jackson in the highly-awaited Michael Jackson biopic titled 'Michael.'

Set to release on April 18, 2025, the biographical film will star Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael, in the titular role. Domingo will join the cast as Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson family, who managed the legendary Jackson 5 and his daughters Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet during the 1960s to 1980s. Joe, the father of 11, died in June 2018 at the age of 89 after battling with cancer.

Excited for the upcoming project, Domingo expressed 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, "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. After seeing him in rehearsal, my mind was blown."

The biopic is being helmed by Antoine Fuqua, who shed light on Domingo's dedication to understanding each role he plays. "Colman has such incredible range - he puts in the work to deeply inhabit his characters and understand their true essence and motivation. 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 said in a statement.

As per Lionsgate, the film will delve into the late King of Pop's life, but what's unknown is whether the film will shed light on the numerous controversies surrounding the late singer and the various allegations that were put on him. Nonetheless, fans are excited to see and know more about the multii-faceted aspects of the pop icon.