The upcoming Lionsgate-produced Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael‘ is moving full steam ahead and has snagged two major wins for the cast of the highly-anticipated film.
It was previously announced that the film was moving forward with Jaafar Jackson (the nephew of the late icon) taking on the lead role as his uncle. The estate even released a first-look snap of Jafaar in the role on set.
Antoine Fuqua is producing the project with Graham King and his GK Films. Three-time Oscar nominee John Logan wrote the screenplay.
Days ago, it was also revealed that Colman Domingo had snagged the role of the Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson. The news came just days after his first-ever Oscar nomination for ‘Best Actor’ for Netflix’s ‘Rustin’ was announced.
“Few actors present themselves with Colman’s screen presence and force of will,” said King. “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.”
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.”
Domingo said, “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.”
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Now, following that exciting news, it has been revealed that Nia Long will take on the role of the family patriarch, Katherine Jackson.
Director Antoine Fuqua praised Long in statement, saying he was excited to “work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long called Katherine Jackson “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.” Long is known as the star of the Best Man franchise, and last year starred in You People, the Netflix feature also starring Jonah Hill, Lauren London and Eddie Murphy. She is also known for work in Friday and Boyz N the Hood.
Michael, due out April 18, 2025, is being made in cooperation with Jackson’s estate. Though the filmmakers say the film will tackle all aspects of Jackson’s life, it’s unclear if it will address accusations that he sexually abused children. Jackson’s estate previously defended him against these accusations, which were resurfaced in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.
Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King is producing Micahel, with John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Gladiator scribe John Logan penned the script.
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Very exciting news! ‘Michael’ hits theaters on April 18, 2025.
