Colman Domingo says Michael Jackson biopic will ‘shine a different light’ on ‘complicated’ star

Colman Domingo talks upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.

The 54-year-old actor, who plays Jackson patriarch Joe Jackson within the film, said: Entertainment tonight that “Michael” will “shine a different light on Michael Jackson.” The biopic will explore “the triumphs and tragedies of the King of Pop on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, personified by his most iconic performances,” based on the official synopsis.

“Michael Jackson is, without a doubt, one of the most prolific artists that has ever been on this planet,” Domingo told the outlet throughout the 2024 BET Awards on the Peacock Theater on June 30. “He’s a complicated man, and I think the movie will tell the story of a very complicated person.”

“I think people will be surprised, honestly, by what we do with this movie,” he added. “It’s going to be epic.”

Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, who stars because the “Beat It” singer, joins Domingo within the film. The “Sing Sing” actor sang Jaafar Jackson’s praises, telling ET that viewers will be “spellbound” once they watch “Jaafar Jackson and What He Does.”

“He has a sort of spiritual bond with his deceased uncle. It’s beautiful,” Domingo shared.

Nia Long will play Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson. Juliano Krue Valdi, 9, plays young Michael Jackson, and Miles Teller has been forged as Michael Jackson’s lawyer and manager, John Branca.

Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson, who performed alongside Michael Jackson and brothers Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Marlon Jackson during their Jackson 5 Days within the Sixties and Seventies. The group was later joined by brother Randy Jackson and altered their name to The Jacksons.

Featured Stories

As the Jackson 5’s manager, Joe Jackson played a key role of their success, but he has also been accused of physical and emotional abuse by his children, including the late singer. Director Antoine Fuqua said Domingo had the “incredible range” needed to bring his controversial father to life in the brand new film.

“Colman puts a lot of effort into really getting into his characters and understanding their true essence and motivations,” Fuqua told Diversity“I’m grateful to work with an actor who has such passion and the ability to portray the many sides of Joe Jackson: husband, father and manager.”

The premiere of the film “Michael” is scheduled for April 18, 2025.