Colman Domingo, the two-time Oscar-nominated actor, is set to portray legendary singer Nat King Cole in a new musical biopic titled Unforgettable. Lionsgate has joined the project to handle international sales and will present it ahead of the upcoming European Film Market, anticipating significant interest in pre-sales. The film focuses on Nat King Cole’s journey as both a musician and a subtle revolutionary, highlighting his battles with racial injustice, industry challenges, and personal doubts.
Plot Focus and Production Plans
The biopic will explore Cole’s experiences navigating Hollywood sabotage and systemic discrimination while solidifying his legacy for future Black artists and generations. The film aims for a PG-13 rating to appeal broadly, and production is expected to begin later this year. This project will also mark Domingo’s feature directorial debut, following his attachment to another biopic about Sammy Davis Jr. and Kim Novak called Scandalous.
Writing and Producing Team Behind the Film
Domingo co-wrote the screenplay with Vernon Scott and serves as a producer alongside seasoned veterans such as Cassian Elwes, Charles D. King, William Rosenfeld, Poppy Hanks, Jimmy Edwards, Veronica Radaelli, and Fred Berger. Edwards’ Iconic Artists Group acquired key rights from the Nat King Cole estate in March 2022, helping facilitate the project. Fred Berger recently produced the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, which earned eight Oscar nominations.
Nat King Cole’s Enduring Legacy
Born Nathaniel Adams Coles (1919-1965), Nat King Cole achieved tremendous mainstream success with hits like the titular track Unforgettable. His 1960 album The Magic of Christmas remains one of the bestselling Christmas albums of the decade. Despite his success, Cole faced brutal racial discrimination, including an onstage attack in Alabama. Responding to early criticism from Black press for performing to all-white audiences, Cole later refused to play segregated venues, became a lifetime member of the NAACP, and participated in the historic March on Washington. His NBC variety show, The Nat King Cole Show, was the first nationally broadcast TV program hosted by a Black American.
Domingo’s Personal Connection and Previous Work on Cole’s Story
Domingo has long been passionate about Nat King Cole’s story. Although the biopic was initially announced two years ago, development quieted until recently. Domingo co-wrote the play Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole with Patricia McGregor, staged at the Geffen Playhouse, which imagined Cole’s thoughts during his 1957 Christmas special. This creative connection deepens Domingo’s personal investment in bringing Cole’s history to the screen.
Domingo’s Upcoming Projects and Industry Role
Known for his role in Fear the Walking Dead, Domingo has several high-profile projects approaching, including Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day and the next season of HBO’s Euphoria. He is also set to play Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family, in Lionsgate’s musical biopic Michael. With these commitments, Domingo’s work on Unforgettable positions him as a significant creative force in contemporary biographical storytelling.
