Colman Domingo to play Michael Jackson’s Father in New Biopic

The ‘Rustin’ Oscar nominee will appear alongside Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, who will play the King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua’s movie.

Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo to portray Jackson Family Patriarch Joe Jackson in Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International's Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael.'

Preview:

Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson in new biopic ‘Michael’.
Antoine Fuqua is directing the movie.
‘Michael’ is set for release in April next year.

With his first Oscar nomination under his belt for playing real-life Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin in Netflix biopic ‘Rustin’, it seems Colman Domingo is not done playing historical figures.

He’s now signed on to be Joe Jackson in ‘Equalizer’ director Antoine Fuqua’s biopic of Michael Jackson, simply titled ‘Michael’.

Michael

Not Yet RatedApr 18th, 2025

An in-depth portrayal of Michael Jackson, a complicated man, who became the King of Pop. The biopic will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it... Read the Plot

Jackson was the father of the brood that gave us the likes of Michael and Janet Jackson and became infamous for his hard-driving treatment of his talented children. Michael in particular recalled his physical and emotional abuse, but also credited his father’s behavior as partly responsible for his success.

He’ll certainly be a challenging role to play. Jaafar Jackson, who is the actual nephew of Michael, is on board to play the role of his uncle for the majority of the movie.

What’s the story of ‘Michael’?

Michael Jackson in 'Michael Jackson's This Is It.' Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Written by John Logan and produced by ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King, ‘Michael’ follows the complicated man who becomes the King of Pop, from triumphs to tragedies, from his human side and personal struggles to his creative genius.

Who else is in the movie?

Alongside Jaafar Jackson and now Domingo, Juliano Valdi is playing the younger Michael.

Domingo casting: the actor, director and producer speak

'The Equalizer 3' director Antoine Fuqua.

Here’s what Domingo said about the new role and his co-star:

“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. 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. 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.”

Director Antoine Fuqua added:

“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.”

Producer Graham King had this comment:

“Few actors present themselves with Colman’s screen presence and force of will. We’re so fortunate to have an actor with his undeniable talent portraying Joe Jackson on screen. We couldn’t be more excited to have him join us on this journey.”