The eagerly awaited Michael Jackson biopic has finally cast its “Dirty Diana.” Lionsgate and Universal Pictures revealed on Monday (March 25) that the film’s cast will feature notable additions, including “Vampire Diaries” star Kat Graham as Diana Ross and “Love Jones” actor Larenz Tate portraying Berry Gordy.
Kat Graham, known for her role in “Vampire Diaries” and various other TV shows, has a rich filmography. Her portrayal of Jada Pinkett Smith in Benny Boom’s 2017 Tupac biopic “All Eyez On Me” was notable. Graham has also released four studio albums, with “Long Hot Summer” being her latest in 2022. She has made several appearances on the Billboard charts, with her EP “Against the Wall” debuting and peaking at No. 4 on the Heatseekers Albums chart in 2012. At the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards, Graham unveiled her new single “World Song,” a collaboration with will.i.am.
Diana Ross, the legendary singer who was instrumental in introducing the Jackson 5, continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. Her 25th studio album, “Thank You,” released in 2021, earned her a Grammy nomination for best traditional pop vocal album, marking her first nomination since 1983. In a memorable moment last year, Ross surprised Beyoncé with a medley of “Love Hangover” and “Happy Birthday” during the Renaissance World Tour show at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium on September 4, 2023.
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, will be portrayed by Larenz Tate. Gordy is celebrated for revolutionizing American music by introducing iconic acts like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight and the Pips. Tate, a beloved actor, stars in Starz’s “Power Book II: Ghost,” a spin-off of the 50 Cent-produced “Power,” where he appeared for six seasons. Gordy was honored with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 2021 and was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame the following year.
The latest casting announcement for “Michael” also includes Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark. Kendrick Sampson will play Quincy Jones, joining an esteemed cast that features Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael.
“Michael,” starring Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, is currently in production and set for a global release on April 18, 2025. Directed by Antoine Fuqua of “Training Day” fame, with a script by Oscar nominee John Logan, the film is produced by John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, alongside Oscar winner Graham King. Prince Jackson, the late singer’s eldest son, is providing on-set assistance on behalf of his siblings.
The casting news follows recent legal developments involving Blanket Jackson, Michael Jackson’s youngest son, and his grandmother, Katherine Jackson. Court filings revealed by Billboard show Blanket arguing that the estate should not cover the costs of Katherine Jackson’s current legal issues related to a $600 million catalog deal.