Nia Long Set For Role Of A Lifetime As Michael Jackson's Mother In Upcoming Biopic
By Afouda Bamidele on January 31, 2024 at 6:15 AM EST
Nia Long is set to walk in the shoes of the Jackson family matriarch.
According to reports, the renowned actress has been cast to portray Katherine Jackson, the mother of Michael Jackson, in the much-anticipated film titled "Michael," about the King of Pop.
Nia Long Has Landed A Major Deal As Michael Jackson's Mother In Upcoming Biopic
Lionsgate revealed on Tuesday that Long has officially joined the cast of "Michael," currently in production and scheduled for a theatrical release on April 18, 2025. Speaking on the development, Long commented in a press release, expressing:
"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. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson's story with audiences everywhere."
Additionally, Colman Domingo is set to portray the famed and controversial patriarch of the Jackson family, Joe Jackson, who passed away in June 2018 at 89.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, will feature Jaafar Jackson, the cousin of the "Beat It" singer, portraying the legendary music superstar. Fuqua praised Long in his own statement that read:
"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."
In 2023, Deadline reported that "Michael" would provide audiences with a "never-before-told and in-depth portrayal" of the complex journey of the man who evolved into the King of Pop.
The biopic will delve into all facets of Jackson's life, including his iconic performances that solidified his status as one of the most beloved entertainers in history. Addressing the development at the time, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair, Joe Drake, shared:
"Michael's decades-long career left an indelible mark on the way audiences experience entertainment all over the world. We are thrilled to be partnering with our friends at Universal to give global audiences new insight into the complex life of one of the most prolific artists the world has ever known."
Nia Long's Own Struggle As A Mother
Besides securing the gig of a lifetime, Long has also been dealing with the aftermath of her collapsed relationship with Ime Udoka after he was caught in a cheating scandal. As it turned out, the "Big Momma's House" star refocused her energy and attention on her two sons — Massai Zhivago Dorsey II and Kez Sunday Udoka.
In an Instagram post shared in October 2022, the 53-year-old is seen leaning on Kez, who playfully stuck out his tongue, while a grinning Massai joined in the fun. Seated after a possibly finished meal, Kez held a half-filled drink container.
Their upper attire showed Long in a gray shirt, her first son in a black graphic tee, and her youngest baby boy in a long-sleeved blue graphic tee. The BET Awards winner's smile was soon turned upside down when she had to fight Udoka for custody of their child.
Luckily, the former couple did not have to fight for long as they resolved their custody battle earlier this month, with the court ordering Udoka to pay his ex over $32,000 in monthly child support.
In the settlement, facilitated by Long's attorney, Samantha Spector, the screen star granted her ex-boyfriend a support break, considering her substantial earnings as an actress and businesswoman.
Although the calculated child support based on Udoka's disposable income and their son's residence is $56,389, the pair, who separated in 2022 amid Udoka's involvement with a Boston Celtics staff member, agreed upon a monthly sum of $32,500.
Given Udoka's role as the head coach for the Houston Rockets, which involves extensive travel commitments during the season and potential post-season playoffs, the duo agreed that, for child support calculations in the 2023-2024 season, Udoka has less than a 5% timeshare with their son. In contrast, Long has approximately 95% timeshare with the 12-year-old in Los Angeles, California.
