Colman Domingo hopes Paris Jackson warms to Michael Jackson biopic tribute

Colman Domingo hopes Paris Jackson will embrace the Michael Jackson biopic despite her distancing comments last year

Colman Domingo is publicly expressing hope that Paris Jackson will “eventually love” the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, despite the singer’s daughter previously distancing herself from the project.

Last September, Paris Jackson made it clear she had no involvement in the film, responding on her Instagram Story to a People magazine report quoting Domingo. Jackson wrote that she had read an early script draft, offered notes she felt were honest, but moved on when they were ignored, emphasising she had “0% involvement” in the production.

Domingo, who plays family patriarch Joe Jackson in Michael, told the Wall Street Journal that his comments were taken out of context and that People later updated the article to more accurately capture his words. He privately reached out to Jackson via direct message to clarify and received a heart in response. “I hope that she eventually loves the tribute that we made about her father,” he added.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the biopic is set to hit theaters on April 24. The ensemble cast features Michael Jackson’s nephew Jafaar Jackson in the title role, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and Domingo portraying Joe Jackson. Other Jackson family members are played by Tre Horton, Rhyan Hill, Joseph David-Jones, and Jessica Sula.

Discussing his portrayal of Joe Jackson, Domingo explained he focused on “finding his humanity,” acknowledging both his children’s experiences and his role in shaping some of pop music’s most iconic artists. “He created some of the most iconic artists that have ever walked this earth. What goes into the making of that man?” Domingo said. He also addressed the controversial allegations of physical abuse, describing Joe Jackson’s discipline as arguable and complex while noting it remains a debated part of his story.

The film has already stirred conversations among fans and critics over how the Jackson family’s history is depicted, and Domingo’s remarks seem aimed at bridging the gap between the filmmakers’ intentions and the Jackson family’s perspective. As the release date approaches, attention is likely to intensify, with audiences curious how the movie balances tribute, biography, and controversy in portraying the King of Pop.