More notable names are being added to the cast of the Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael”.
“Michael” is embracing the Motown sound — announcing key castings including Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and Kat Graham as the legendary Diana Ross.
As the film chronicles Jackson’s rise to prominence — first as a member of the Jackson 5, then as a solo artist — will factor in significantly. “Power” franchise star Tate (who coincidentally played “Thriller” producer Quincy Jones in 2004’s “Ray”) takes on the Motown impresario Gordy, who redefined American music by platforming such acts as the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Diana Ross & the Supremes.
In 2021, Gordy received the highly prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, and the following year, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
Graham boasts an extensive filmography including the Vampire Diaries, Tupac’s biopic All Eyez On Me, and has released four studio albums. She will play Diana Ross, “lead singer of the chart-topping Motown group The Supremes, who was one of the label’s most successful groups in the 60’s before Diana embarked on a celebrated and decades-long solo career in the 70’s, along with acclaimed acting roles. Given her star power and influence, Motown would have Diana officially introduce the Jackson 5 to the world. She remained a life-long influence on Michael.”
Other casting announcements in recent weeks for the biopic have been Jessica Sula as Jackson’s sister, La Toya Jackson, and Liv Symone as Gladys Knight. Colman Domingo and Nia Long will play the Jackson parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. The singer’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will tackle the lead role and “Insecure” star Kendrick Sampson, who played the part of Nathan in the series, will bring to life this production’s Quincy Jones.