Colman Domingo says that the Michael biopic is not “whitewashing” Michael Jackson’s story.
Domingo, along with Nia Long, who plays Jackson’s parents Joe and Katherine, spoke about criticism in an interview on TODAY.
Craig Melvin pointed out that the film ends in 1988, “five years before the first allegation was leveled against Jackson.”
“What would you say to folks who see this,” and believe the film “whitewashed that part” of Jackson’s legacy, he asked.
“The film takes place from the ’60s to 1988, so it does not go into the first allegations in, what, 2005? Basically, we center it on the makings of Michael,” he said. “It’s an intimate portrait of who Michael is.”
Long went on to say that the film bypassed the allegations to tell Jackson’s story “through his eyes.”
“Through his eyes, truly. That’s what it is,” Domingo said. “That’s what this film is, and there’s the possibility of there being a part two that may deal with other things that may happen afterwards. This is about the making of Michael. How he was raised, and how he was trying to find his voice as an artist.”
Michael is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026. The film aims to chronicle the complex life and legacy of Michael Jackson. From his early days with the Jackson 5 to his global superstardom. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the film stars the singer’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role.
SOME JACKSON SIBLINGS SUPPORT THE FILM, SOME ARE NOT INVOLVED
Marlon Jackson, Jaafar’s nephew, praised his performance.
“Watching the movie, sometimes we think we’re watching Michael up there, that’s how good he is,” Marlon said.
La Toya Jackson described Jaafar’s performance as“absolutely excellent,” and “I thought I was watching my brother,” said La Toya.
Janet Jackson, Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, and Rebbie Jackson, the eldest of the siblings, declined to be a part of the film. On several occasions, Paris has been critical of the film.
“The thing about these biopics is, it’s Hollywood. It’s a fantasy land. It’s not real, but it’s sold to you as real,” Paris said. “The narrative is being controlled, and there’s a lot of inaccuracy, and there’s a lot of full-blown lies, and at the end of the day, that doesn’t really fly with me.”