Colman Domingo to play Michael Jackson's father in biopic Michael

Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is all set to essay the role of Joe Jackson, father of music icon Michael Jackson, in the upcoming biopic Michael. The film, which has the pop star's nephew Jafaar Jackson, essaying Michael's role, is set for a theatrical release on April 18, 2025.

Domingo, who recently received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his portrayal in Rustin, will appear in Michael, a Lionsgate biopic set to be released worldwide on April 18, 2025.

Joe Jackson, the father of Michael, Janet, and their eight siblings died in 2018 at the age of 89 after battling with cancer.

Expressing his excitement on joining the project, he said in a statement, "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 project is directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer franchise) and written by John Logan (Gladiator), with a producing team that includes Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody). John Branca and John McClain will be the executive producers.

Michael is set to cover all aspects of Michael Jackson's life which will also include the child sexual assault allegations that have been made against him.

Michael will be the first major film role for 26-year-old Jaafar, who is the second-youngest son of  Michael Jackson's older brother and Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson. However, the plot details of the film have not been revealed yet.

Popularly referred to as 'King of Pop', Michael Jackson is a renowned pop culture icon. He popularised the moonwalk dance move, and holds 15 Grammy Awards, 39 Guinness World Records, and one Golden Globe Award, to name a few. He died in 2009, at the age of 50.