Colman Domingo set to play Michael Jackson’s father Joe in the Lionsgate biopic entitled Michael

Just days after receiving an Oscar nomination for Rustin, Colman Domingo has signed on to play Michael Jackson’s father Joe Jackson in the biopic Michael.

Lionsgate announced the news Tuesday: The 54-year-old actor will join Jafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life 27-year-old nephew, who will play his uncle in the film.

The production also recently featured Giuliano Cru Valdi, a nine-year-old actor and dancer who has gone viral for his dance moves inspired by the King of Pop.

Production began earlier this week, and Lionsgate has set a release date of April 18, 2025.

Joe worked in a steel mill and even tried his hand at professional boxing before pursuing his children’s music careers.

Just days after receiving an Oscar nomination for Rustin, Colman Domingo has signed on to play Michael Jackson’s father Joe Jackson in the biopic Michael.

Joe worked in a steel mill and even tried his hand at professional boxing before pursuing all of his children’s music careers.

While The Jackson 5 and Michael’s solo career flourished under his leadership, his reputation was tarnished in the late 1980s when reports surfaced that he abused his children.

Michael himself claimed that his father was physically and emotionally abusive, but also believed that his strict methods were the key to his success.

Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) will direct the film from a script by John Logan (“Gladiator,” “Skyfall”) and produced by Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”).

In a statement, King said: “Few actors bring the same screen presence and willpower as Colman.

He added: “We are very fortunate to have an actor of his undeniable talent playing Joe Jackson on screen. We are thrilled to have him join us on this journey.”

Fuqua added: “Colman has such incredible range – he makes an effort to connect deeply with his characters and understand their true selves and motivations.”

“I am grateful to be working with an actor with his passion and ability to portray different sides of Joe Jackson: husband, father and manager,” the director said.

Domingo stated, “I am thrilled to be a part of a film that explores both the complex soul of the legendary Michael Jackson and his impact on music and culture as a global icon.”

While The Jackson 5 and Michael’s solo career flourished under his leadership, his reputation was tarnished in the late 1980s when reports surfaced that he abused his children.

Michael himself claimed that his father was physically and emotionally abusive, but also credited his strict methods as the key to his success.

He added: “We are very fortunate to have an actor of his undeniable talent playing Joe Jackson on screen. We are thrilled to have him join us on this journey.”

Fuqua added: “Colman has such incredible range – he makes an effort to connect deeply with his characters and understand their true selves and motivations.”

“Not only am I fortunate to have a rich, complex and flawed character to portray as Joe Jackson, but I also have a front row seat to Jafar’s incredible transformation,” Domingo continued.

“After I saw him at rehearsal, I was blown away. There is something divine in the way Jafar channels his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of the essence of Michael is simply on another level,” he concluded.

Domingo won an Emmy Award for his work on HBO’s Euphoria, and for Rustin he was nominated for BAFTA and SAG Awards, in addition to his Oscar nomination.

He recently starred in The Color Purple and will next be seen in Ethan Coen’s The Dolls Drive Away, which hits theaters on February 19.