Nia Long will play Katherine Jackson, the mother of Michael Jackson, in director Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biographical drama about the King of Pop.

The film stars Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael Jackson’s nephew, as the music icon. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is starring as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, while 9-year-old actor Juliano Krue is playing a young version of Michael.

Director Antoine Fuqua praised Long in a statement, saying he was excited to "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."

Fuqua added, "Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. 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."

Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International have scheduled an April 18 2025 day-and-date global release.

Lionsgate will release Michael in North America and oversee the release in Japan, with Universal distributing in the balance of international territories.

Source: Press Release