Colman Domingo sets First Project Post-Oscar Nom, Will Play Joe Jackson in 'Michael'

by Darian Scalamoni

    Colman Domingo woke up a happy man this week as he received his very first nomination at the Academy Awards for his starring role in Netflix film, Rustin. Usually, with awards recognition, it becomes a very opportunistic time for performers, as they are being rushed scripts of all kinds to choose their first project after receiving a prestigious honor. Domingo seems to have found that next role rather quickly.

    According to Deadline, Domingo will have a major role in the upcoming music biopic, Michael, revolving around the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The Oscar-nominee will portray Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the iconic Jackson family. Universal and Lionsgate will produce the pic. Joe Jackson was widely known as a very strict parent and controversial when it came to his management style for his children in the Jackson 5. 

    Domingo is not the first cast member on board for the film, as Michael Jackson's nephew, Jafaar Jackson was cast in the lead role in January 2023. He was cast shortly after Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer, The Magnificent Seven) was brought on to direct the film. John Logan (Gladiator, Skyfall), a 3-time Oscar nominee penned the script.

    "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," Domingo said of his casting. "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."

    The role of Joe Jackson is certainly a meaty one for someone of Domingo's caliber and talent. It is also a more interesting choice for the actor than the rumor that he will be replacing Jonathan Majors for his role as Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however, the jury is still out on that prospect. Domingo will next have a role in Ethan Coen's Drive-Away Dolls which stars Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan and Pedro Pascal. He also stars in Sing, Sing, a TIFF breakout that is expected to get wide distribution in 2024, as well as leading a Netflix series titled The Madness.

    In addition to his nomination for playing Bayard Rustin, Domingo also starred in The Color Purple remake in 2023 and wrapped his long-running television role as Victor Strand in Fear the Walking Dead.