Nia Long has signed on to play Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother, in the upcoming biopic Michael.
“Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family,” Long said in a statement on Tuesday to Variety. “As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure.”
Currently in production, the film is directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer 3).
“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career,” said Fuqua.
“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,” Fuqua added.
Long joins Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, who will play Joe Jackson in the film, and the King of Pop’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role.
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John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, are producing the new film alongside Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody).
“Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son,” King said.
Long most recently had a role in the Netfix comedy You People. Her previous credits include the films Missing, The Best Man, Boyz n the Hood, Love Jones, Soul Food, and the TV series NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Lionsgate will release Michael domestically, and Universal Pictures is distributing it abroad.
The script for the authorized biopic comes from John Logan (Gladiator and The Aviator).
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