Colman Domingo is set to star as Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, in the upcoming biopic, titled Michael. The actor is coming off his first Oscar nomination for his critically acclaimed role as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the biopic Rustin.

“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,” Domingo said. “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 (who plays Michael Jackson) incredible transformation.”

He went on to continue complimenting Jaafar by saying, “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.” Jaafar is Michael’s real-life nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, the latter of whom is from Colombia.

Antoine Fuqua, who is set to direct the film, said of Domingo. “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.”

The movie is set to release on April 18th, 2025. It is now in production.

In addition to his performance in Rustin, Colman Domingo is also an Emmy winner for his guest role in Euphoria. He also recently appeared in The Color Purple and on Fear the Walking Dead. He can next be seen in the films Drive-Away Dolls, Sing, Sing and in the Netflix upcoming limited series The Madness.