Colman Domingo Cast as Patriarch Joe Jackson in Michael Jackson Biopic
variety.comClayton Davis Senior Awards Editor Fresh off receiving his first Oscar nomination, Colman Domingo has been cast as Joe Jackson, the father of Michael Jackson, in the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic “Michael.” The casting announcement comes after the news Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar would portray the King of Pop, with 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi tackling the singer during his early days. “It’s exciting to do it with Jaafar,” Domingo tells Variety exclusively during an upcoming episode of the Awards Circuit Podcast. “Jermaine Jackson’s son is playing Michael, and he is breathtaking, and I think Graham King, the producer, has assembled an incredible cast.” He adds in a statement: “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.” A complicated figure in the Michael Jackson legacy following multiple allegations and stories of mental and physical abuse during the pop singer’s childhood, Domingo’s casting as the talent manager of the Jackson 5 will be one that will build excitement surrounding the film.
A best actor nominee this year for his portrayal of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin,” Domingo has also been nominated for a Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics Choice and SAG nom for his work.
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