Nia Long has been cast as Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson in the upcoming Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International’s Michael Jackson biopic Michael. She joins previously cast Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop’s real-life nephew, as Michael, with 9-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi depicting the singer during his early days.
Director Antoine Fuqua praised Long in statement, saying “Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
The biopic, penned by 3-time Oscar nominee John Logan, “Michael” aims to portray the King of Pop’s life, triumphs, and tragedies. The film is a collaboration with the Michael Jackson estate.
READ: Nia Long to Release Memoir Through 13a Publisher
Michael producer Graham King added “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son.”
Long exclaimed, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”
Michael Jackson, often heralded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, left an indelible mark on the world of music, video, art, fashion, and culture. His extraordinary impact is profoundly relevant to this day. From his early years with the Jackson 5, producing iconic hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC,” to his solo career marked by timeless classics such as “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” Jackson’s influence is unparalleled.
It began production on January 22, as shared by Jaafar on Instagram and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, with Lionsgate handling domestic distribution and Universal Pictures International overseeing international territories, excluding Japan.