Colman Domingo To Play Patriarch Joe Jackson In Lionsgate & Universal’s Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’

Coming off of his first career Best Actor Oscar nomination for Netflix’s Rustin, Colman Domingo has more to celebrate: Her just landed the role of Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson, in Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael.

Joe Jackson was known for his hard-driving management, often controversial parenting of the Jackson 5, and Michael Jackson too. Domingo joins Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who is playing his King of Pop uncle in the Antoine Fuqua directed movie from Oscar winning producer Graham King and his GK Films. Three-time Oscar nominee John Logan wrote the screenplay.

“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.” 

Domingo’s turn in Rustin also earned him noms at the BAFTA Award, SAG Award, and Golden Globes, in addition to receiving the Palm Springs International Film Festival Award. He’s an Emmy winner for his guest role on HBO’s Euphoria. He has also received acclaim for his work in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Zola, and the newly conceived musical film version The Color Purple, as well as his just-completed starring role on Fear the Walking Dead. Upcoming for the actor on Feb. 23 is Ethan Coen’s movie Drive-Away Dolls opposite Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, and Matt Damon. Later this year, he will also be seen starring in the feature film Sing, Sing and in The Madness, a new Netflix limited series.

Domingo is represented by Gersh, Liebman Entertainment, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.

Michael will be produced by King and the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.  

Michael is getting an overseas release from Universal Pictures International (sans Japan, which Lionsgate is handling). The movie bows day-and-date around the world on April 18, 2025.