Colman Domingo
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Source: Kevin Mazur / Lionsgate
The first look at the film covering the life of Michael Jackson was released, featuring his nephew in a recreation of one of the star’s iconic looks.
On Tuesday (February 13), the team behind a highly-anticipated biographical film about the legendary singer Michael Jackson released the first official photograph which has everyone buzzing. The King of Pop is being portrayed by his nephew, Jafaar Jackson in the biopic, entitled Michael. The photo, taken by photographer Kevin Mazur, shows Jaffar wearing his uncle’s signature “Man In The Mirror” outfit which he sported during his Dangerous Tour which ran from 1991-1992.
“When I arrived for my first day on the set of this movie, I was so excited – it was like the first time I went on tour to shoot Michael Jackson,” Mazur said in a statement accompanying the first-look photo. “When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jafaar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael.’ The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything — he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime — this is how it was.”
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” said producer Graham King in a statement. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.” Michael is being produced by the co-executors of the estate of Michael Jackson and King along with Jackson’s former lawyer John Branca, and John McClain in conjunction with Lionsgate Entertainment.
Michael had been gaining attraction already due to the cast, which brought on Jafaar to play Michael as an adult (Jafaar is the son of Jermaine Jackson) in addition to Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo as father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as Branca, and Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael. “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project – hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything – and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film. But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it,” director Antoine Fuqua said in a statement.
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Source: Mat Hayward / Getty / Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo is collecting roles like Infinity Stones, and WE LOVE TO SEE IT.
Following the news, he earned his first Oscar nomination for his inspiring performance in the Netflix film Rustin; Colman Domingo has been cast in Antoine Fuqua’s (The Equalizer) upcoming Michael Jackson biopic as the late iconic pop star’s father, Joe Jackson.
The news of Domingo joining the film’s cast comes after the announcement that Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar, will play the “Billie Jean” crafter and 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi, portraying the King of Pop in his early years.
Speaking exclusively with Variety, The Color Purple star spoke about joining the cast of the Michael Jackson film.
“It’s exciting to do it with Jaafar,” Domingo said. “Jermaine Jackson’s son is playing Michael, and he is breathtaking, and I think Graham King, the producer, has assembled an incredible cast.”
In a statement announcing his addition to the cast, he added, “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 Is The Perfect Man For The Role
Now, if you are one of the rare people wondering if Domingo is the right actor for the job, look no further than his still-growing and very impressive resume.
Domingo is no stranger to playing complex figures like Joe Jackson and has a knack for portraying them in a way where, while you will have some disdain for them, you will still walk away with a better appreciation and understanding of them.
Look no further than his portrayal of Albert “Mister” Johnson in The Color Purple, who is easily one of the most despised characters in the Alice Walker novel.
Speaking with CassiusLife’s Bernard “Beanz” Smalls, he spoke on the role, saying, “When you’re watching him, you can’t just villainize him. You have to, in a strange way, find ways to have empathy for the character, and that makes it more human.”
That wasn’t the only big announcement; Colman will also star as Nat King Cole in an upcoming biopic that he will also be directing.
Users on X, formerly Twitter, are giving Domingo his things and reacting to the news.
You can see the reactions in the gallery below.
1. Yes. He. IS
2. Indeed he is
4. Accurate
Colman Domingo has joined the cast of the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, as he’s set to portray the King of Pop’s controversial father, Joe Jackson, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news He will be joining the “Billie Jean” singer’s nephew, Jaafar […]
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Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty
After Jonathan Majors was given the pink slip by Marvel Studios after being found guilty of domestic abuse this past December, many wondered if his Kang The Conqueror character in the MCU would be recast or removed altogether.
After rumors that Marvel was looking to replace the character with Dr. Doom as the main villain going forward, it seems like that may not be the case as a well-known Hollywood actor is said to be in the running to replace Majors as Kang The Conqueror in future MCU projects.
According to CBR, Fear the Walking Dead star Colman Domingo is being eyed as the top choice to take on the mantle of Kang and see the storyline that began in Season 1 of Loki through. Originally played by Jonathan Majors in the 2021 Disney+ series, Kang The Conqueror was poised to be the next big baddy of the Marvel Universe and was supposed to carry that title until the end of Phase 5. Now that Majors is on the outs, it seems like Domingo may be poised to make his MCU debut and give us a whole new take on The Conqueror.
CBR reports:
This has not been verified, and for now, it’s best to treat the rumor with a grain of salt. With that noted, the rumor is quickly getting attention online as fans discuss the idea of Domingo in the role. The actor is best known to Walking Dead fans for his role as Victor Strand in the first spinoff series, Fear the Walking Dead, which just recently wrapped up its run, freeing up Domingo’s schedule in a big way. He also impressed critics with his acclaimed role in the Netflix movie Rustin, which earned Domingo a Golden Globe Award. Domingo would also win a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role on HBO’s hit series Euphoria.
The man is an amazing actor, but we lowkey got used to Jonathan Majors’ iteration of the classic Marvel villain. He’s got his work cut out for him. Still, it is possible that Marvel decides to go the Dr. Doom route as fans have been begging for Dr. Victor Von Doom to make his proper MCU debut for years already.
Regardless, Marvel has to get this right as interest in Marvel films and series have waned over the past few years thanks to subpar films like The Eternals and Thor: Love and Thunder. If they want to recharge the hype for the MCU, then Domingo’s going to have to be one helluva Kang, or Dr. Doom will have to make a big splash to get the streets talking and everyone running to theaters.
What do y’all think of Colman Domingo taking on the role of Kang The Conqueror? Should Marvel recast the role at all, or move on to a new villain? Let us know in the comments section below.
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