Nia Long To Play Michael Jackson’s Mother In Forthcoming ‘Michael’ Biopic

Beloved actress Nia Long has been tapped to channel Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, in the forthcoming biopic Michael.

With Antoine Fuqua’s direction, the film will chronicle the King of Pop’s life and legacy, his ups and downs, and how he ultimately became the greatest entertainer ever. Aside from Long, Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will channel his uncle as the leading role and Colman Domingo will play the family’s patriarch, Joe Jackson.

“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career,” Fuqua spoke of Long via Variety. “I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. 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.”

Nia Long attends the red carpet premiere of Crunchyroll’s “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village” at The Orpheum Theatre on February 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Steven Simione/Getty Images)

Speaking on the prominent role of Katherine, the Missing actress said, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure.”

Long — who’s most notably known for her roles in Soul Food, Friday, The Best Man and Love Jones — recently starred in the Storm Reid-led film Missing, Netflix comedy You People, and others.

Different from 1992’s The Jacksons: An American Dream — which focused on The Jackson 5 — Michael will zoom in on Jackson, a “brilliant yet complicated man,” according to the film’s logline.

Michael is currently slated to premiere in theaters on April 18, 2025.