Colman Domingo Believes One Michael Jackson Movie Isn’t Enough

Music biopics have emerged as one of Hollywood’s most dependable genres, but few subjects carry the cultural significance that Michael Jackson does. With Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Michael‘ finally bringing the King of Pop’s narrative to the big screen after years of development, the film’s cast has been addressing a pressing question: can a single movie truly encapsulate a career and life as monumental as Jackson’s?

Colman Domingo, who portrays Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson in the film, seems to advocate for a more extensive exploration of the icon’s life.

In a recent interview, Domingo expressed that one film could never fully convey Michael Jackson’s story. He likened the challenge to how audiences accept multiple films about other cultural icons, such as Elvis Presley, whose legacies encompass numerous chapters. Domingo even suggested that there should be 20 films dedicated to Michael Jackson, highlighting his belief in the vastness of Jackson’s narrative.

This perspective aligns with the structure of ‘Michael’ itself, which is divided into two parts. The first installment chronicles Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a solo artist, concluding around the release of ‘Bad’.

Domingo has previously explained that this approach was intentional, aiming to transport audiences back to Jackson’s beginnings, focusing on his determination as a ten-year-old boy rather than merely revisiting well-known moments from YouTube clips.

Domingo has also shared his personal connection to the role of Joe Jackson, noting that he saw reflections of his own father in the character. He aimed to bring sensitivity to the more challenging scenes that depict Joe’s famously strict parenting style. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Domingo described Michael Jackson as one of the most prolific artists ever, emphasizing that the film seeks to portray his complex humanity honestly rather than simply glorifying him.

The production has faced its share of controversy. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, publicly challenged Domingo’s earlier statements that she had provided guidance during the film’s creation, accusing the production of controlling the narrative and including inaccuracies. Despite this, Domingo told PEOPLE that both Paris and her brother Prince Jackson had been supportive of the project and warm toward him personally.

Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, plays the pop icon, with Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and Miles Teller as Jackson’s longtime lawyer John Branca. Early reviews have praised both Jaafar Jackson’s performance and Domingo’s impactful portrayal of Joe, with critics noting that the film’s structure leaves viewers eager for more, building anticipation for its already planned second chapter.

Given the often polarized reactions to music biopics and the extensive ground even a two-part structure must cover, Domingo’s remark about desiring 20 films feels less like exaggeration and more like a sincere acknowledgment of the vastness of Jackson’s story that remains untold.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!