Colman Domingo is busy, busy and is set to take on yet another iconic figure. Following his Oscar nomination and the announcement of his role as Joe Jackson in the upcoming Jackson family biopic, Domingo is making headlines for his involvement in a movie musical about the legendary Nat King Cole.
Variety exclusively revealed that Domingo will not only star as Nat King Cole but also make his feature directing debut, co-writing the script for the film. In a recent Variety Awards Circuit Podcast episode, Domingo expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “I’ve been working on it quietly for a few years. It’s something I’m looking forward to putting together with some great partners.”
This venture isn’t Domingo’s first encounter with the Nat King Cole story. He previously co-wrote the play “Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole” with Patricia McGregor, offering a unique exploration of the singer’s experiences during his 1957 Christmas special on “The Nat King Cole Show.”
While the specific period of focus in the movie is yet to be disclosed, Nat King Cole’s life was marked by significant moments, including a pivotal incident in 1956. During a performance in Birmingham, Ala., Cole was attacked by four white men. Despite the assault, he returned to the stage, receiving a 10-minute standing ovation from the remaining audience—a testament to his resilience in the face of racial adversity.
Nat King Cole, a jazz and pop vocalist, left an indelible mark on music history with over 100 chart-topping songs, including classics like “Unforgettable,” “Smile,” and “Let There Be Love.” His influence earned him a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards in 1990, and he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
This news comes hot on the heels of Domingo’s other accomplishments, including his executive production of the horror film “It’s What’s Inside,” which premiered at Sundance and was acquired by Netflix for $17 million. Domingo is also set to appear in notable feature films like “Drive-Away Dolls” and “Sing Sing,” showcasing his versatility both in front of and behind the camera.
This announcement adds to Colman Domingo’s already packed 2024 calendar, which includes executive production for the horror film “It’s What’s Inside,” and appearances in other feature films like “Drive-Away Dolls” and “Sing Sing.”