Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson in 'Michael,' the Michael Jackson biopic

Fresh off his Oscar nomination, Colman Domingo has joined the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” to play the pop star’s domineering father, Joe Jackson

Via AP news wire
Thursday 25 January 2024 13:00 EST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Colman Domingo, fresh off his Oscar nomination, has joined the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael" to play the pop star's domineering father, Joe Jackson.

Lionsgate announced Thursday that Domingo has been cast in Antoine Fuqua's currently-in-production film. On Tuesday, Domingo was nominated for best actor by the Academy Awards for his performance as the civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in “Rustin.”

Joe Jackson, who died in 2018, was the controversial patriarch of the musical family, launching the Jackson 5 and the solo careers of Michael and Janet. But he was also an alienating manager and abusive father whose children, later in life, distanced themselves from him.

Newcomer Jaafar Jackson, nephew to Michael Jackson, will play the King of Pop in the film produced by Graham King ("Bohemian Rhapsody"). The film is being made with involvement of the Michael Jackson estate.

“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," said Domingo in a statement. “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.”

“Michael” is scheduled to open in theaters in April next year.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in