Colman Domingo Supports Michael Jackson Biopic, Emphasizing That “Everyone Has a Story to Tell”
Colman Domingo has spoken out in defense of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, emphasizing that everyone’s story deserves to be told. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Lionsgate, the film was initially slated for release in April 2025 but has been rescheduled for October 3, 2025, to position it as a contender for awards season. While its global release dates remain unconfirmed, Universal Pictures will handle international distribution.
Domingo, who portrays Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, in the film, addressed concerns about potential backlash during an interview with Variety. He highlighted the film’s exploration of Jackson as a “complex human being” and reiterated his belief that every person’s story is worth telling. The actor also reflected on his theatrical background, explaining that his role as an artist has never been to seek approval but to present stories authentically, even if they provoke polarizing reactions.
Referencing previous experiences with audience criticism, Domingo shared how viewers often conflated their feelings about his characters with him personally. He mentioned his roles in The Color Purple and Fear the Walking Dead as examples, stating that while strong reactions are expected, they should be directed toward the characters, not him as an individual.
The film, which chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson, stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role. Miles Teller is also set to appear as Jackson’s manager, John Branca. Despite positive early reactions to a trailer revealed at CinemaCon in April, the trailer has not yet been made public, and details about the film remain limited.
The project has faced criticism, particularly from Dan Reed, the director of the documentary Leaving Neverland, which detailed allegations of s**ual abuse against Jackson. Reed accused the biopic of glorifying a man who, according to him, committed heinous acts. The Jackson Estate previously dismissed Leaving Neverland as an exploitative production, while Jackson himself denied all allegations during his lifetime.
Producer Graham King shared an update earlier this year, revealing that the film had reached the halfway point of production. He expressed pride in the project and noted that it aims to provide audiences with an unprecedented perspective on one of the most influential artists in history. King also acknowledged the polarizing nature of Jackson’s legacy, pointing out that his name evokes strong opinions across generations.
–Silviya.Y