Colman Domingo to play Michael Jackon's father and Nat King Cole in new movies
By Renee Hansen
As the congratulations abound for Colman Domingo's recent Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin in the Netflix original film by George C. Wolfe Rustin, Variety has the exclusive on two major role announcements for Domingo.
The actor doesn't shy away from playing controversial roles, as he just celebrated the success of The Color Purple, where he portrayed the dastardly Mister, and his role on Fear the Walking Dead as Victor Strand was a man who often acted the villain. He will next portray Joe Jackson, patriarch of Michael Jackson's family who often came under scrutiny for alleged acts of mental and physical abuse during Michael Jackson's childhood.
Domingo has been cast alongside Jermaine Jackson's son, Jaafar, who will portray his uncle in the biopic of Michael Jackson's life, directed by Antoine Fuqua. Nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi will portray the King of Pop during his younger years.
"“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.”"
- Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo as Nat King Cole
Variety also reports that Domingo will also portray another music icon, legend Nat King Cole, in a musical movie with a script he co-wrote for a film that will mark his feature directorial debut. It is a project he has been working on quietly, and he is excited to continue with the project alongside some great partners.
No details have been announced regarding the period of Cole's life that the movie will focus on, but this isn't the first project Domingo has been involved in centered on the singer. In 2019, he co-wrote Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole with Patricia McGregor, which premiered at the Geffen Playhouse.
Other projects Domingo is tied to coming in 2024 include the horror movie "It's What's Inside," where he served as an executive producer. The film premiered at Sundance and was sold to Netflix for $17 million. The movie stars his Fear the Walking Dead co-star, Alycia Debnam-Carey.
On February 23, Domingo will star in Ethan Coen's new film, Drive-Away Dolls, which also stars Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon. He will also appear in Greg Kwedar's Sing Sing.
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