Nia Long will play Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. The veteran actress joins a cast that also includes Colman Domingo and Jaafar Jackson.
Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) serves as the director for the motion picture about the King of Pop. Lionsgate’s Michael is expected to arrive in American theaters on April 18, 2025.
“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career,” Antoine Fuqua said in a statement reported by Variety. “I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you.”
He continued, “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.”
Before taking on the part of Katherine Jackson in Michael, Nia Long starred in films such as Boyz n the Hood, Friday and The Best Man. Long also appeared in television series like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Empire and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Colman Domingo will portray Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, in Antoine Fuqua’s movie. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Domingo scored a 2024 Best Actor Oscar nomination for Rustin.
Jaafar Jackson will channel his uncle for the titular role in Michael. Earlier this month, Jaafar wrote on Instagram, “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”