Two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is developing a musical biopic about Nat King Cole titled Unforgettable, aiming to capture the life and legacy of the legendary singer. Lionsgate has signed on for international sales and plans to promote the film ahead of next week’s European Film Market, where it is expected to attract significant interest.
Domingo, known for his roles in Sing Sing and Rustin, will not only play Cole but also co-wrote the screenplay and will serve as a producer. The film will explore Cole’s journey as a groundbreaking artist and advocate who confronted racial injustice and Hollywood obstacles while securing a lasting influence on future generations of Black artists. The project is intended for a PG-13 audience to ensure broad appeal.
Project Details and Production Timeline
Filming is anticipated to begin later this year, and Unforgettable may mark Domingo’s debut as a director. He is also attached to direct the Sammy Davis Jr.-Kim Novak biopic Scandalous. Collaborating on the script is Vernon Scott, while production involves notable industry professionals including Cassian Elwes (The Butler), Charles D. King (Mudbound), William Rosenfeld (It’s What’s Inside), Poppy Hanks (Fences), Jimmy Edwards (The Beach Boys), Veronica Radaelli (Dead Man’s Wire), and Fred Berger (La La Land), who recently worked on the acclaimed Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
Jimmy Edwards serves as President of Iconic Artists Group, which obtained rights from the Nat King Cole estate in March 2022.
Nat King Cole’s Enduring Legacy and Life Challenges
Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles (1919–1965), gained widespread fame as a singer, jazz pianist, and actor. His catalog includes the timeless hit “Unforgettable” and the 1960 album The Magic of Christmas, the decade’s best-selling holiday record. Despite his success, Cole encountered harsh racial discrimination, including a violent attack during a live performance in Alabama. In response to early criticism from some black media about performing for predominantly white audiences, he boycotted segregated venues and became an active member of the NAACP, participating in the March on Washington.
Additionally, Cole broke significant ground with his NBC variety show, The Nat King Cole Show, becoming the first nationally broadcast television program hosted by a Black American.
Domingo’s Personal Connection and Previous Work on Cole’s Story
Colman Domingo has long aspired to tell Nat King Cole’s story. The biopic was initially announced two years ago but then went quiet. Domingo’s connection to Cole extends beyond this film—he co-wrote the play Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole with Patricia McGregor, which premiered at the Geffen Playhouse. The play imagined Cole’s mindset during his 1957 Christmas special on The Nat King Cole Show.
Domingo’s Upcoming Projects and Continued Influence
In addition to portraying Cole, Domingo is scheduled to appear in Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day and the forthcoming season of HBO’s Euphoria. He also stars as Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson family, in Lionsgate’s upcoming musical biopic Michael. These roles reflect Domingo’s growing influence and versatility in portraying complex figures in music and culture.
The Biopic’s Potential Impact and Anticipated Reception
Unforgettable intends to celebrate Nat King Cole’s artistic achievements while highlighting his role as a quiet revolutionary who confronted racism and societal challenges. By reaching a wider audience with PG-13 accessibility, the film aims to introduce Cole’s story to new generations and underscore the obstacles faced by Black artists in America’s history. With strong industry backing and Domingo’s multifaceted involvement, this biopic is positioned to be a significant cultural work when production commences.
