Renowned actor Colman Domingo is set to take on the iconic role of legendary singer Nat King Cole in an upcoming movie musical, according to exclusive information obtained by Variety. In a noteworthy move, Domingo will not only showcase his acting prowess as Cole but will also make his feature directorial debut, bringing a script he co-wrote to life.
During a recent episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Domingo shared insights into the project, mentioning, “I’ve been working on it quietly for a few years. It’s something I’m looking forward to putting together with some great partners.”
The specific period of Nat King Cole’s life that the film will focus on remains undisclosed. However, one of the pivotal moments in Cole’s life was highlighted – the incident on April 10, 1956, when he was attacked by four white men while performing before an all-white audience in Birmingham, Ala. Despite the assault, Cole returned to the stage, receiving a 10-minute standing ovation from the remaining audience after the perpetrators were apprehended.
This endeavor is not Domingo’s first engagement with the life of Nat King Cole. He previously co-wrote the play “Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole” with Patricia McGregor, which premiered at the Geffen Playhouse. The play explores the imagined thoughts of the singer during his 1957 Christmas special on “The Nat King Cole Show,” which marked the first network program hosted by an African American.
Nat King Cole, a luminary in 20th-century music, left an indelible mark on the industry. Starting as a jazz and pop vocalist in the late 1930s, he recorded over 100 chart-topping songs, including classics like “Unforgettable,” “Smile,” and “Let There Be Love,” selling over 50 million records. The Grammy Awards posthumously honored Cole with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Colman Domingo’s latest project comes on the heels of his Oscar nomination for best actor for his portrayal of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin.” Additionally, he is set to portray Joe Jackson, the controversial talent manager and father of Michael Jackson, in an upcoming biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Domingo’s 2024 calendar is already bustling with activity, including his executive production of the horror film “It’s What’s Inside,” which premiered at Sundance and secured a $17 million deal with Netflix. He is also slated to appear in feature films such as Ethan Coen’s “Drive-Away Dolls” and Greg Kewdar’s “Sing Sing,” a project he is also producing.
Colman Domingo is represented by Gersh, Liebman Entertainment, Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.
