‘Michael’ Co-Stars Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo Reunite on Kimmel, and Their Chemistry Is Still Off the Charts

Late-night television has had a fun summer rotation going, with a rotating cast of guest hosts stepping in for vacationing regulars. Colman Domingo took his turn behind the desk this week, kicking off a run that immediately felt like more than just a typical fill-in gig.

The Emmy-winning actor has spent the past several months deep in press mode for one of the year’s biggest film stories, so it made sense that his first night as guest host would circle back to that world. Fans tuning in got exactly the kind of full-circle moment they were hoping for.

On the July 20 episode, Domingo interviewed Jaafar Jackson, who plays his uncle Michael in the biopic ‘Michael,’ which is now streaming at home. The pairing marked a reunion between two actors whose on-screen father-son dynamic became one of the most talked about elements of the film.

Jackson shared fond memories of Neverland Ranch during the conversation, while Domingo praised his co-star’s spot-on portrayal of Joe Jackson. Jacob Elordi, who joined the episode to promote his upcoming film ‘The Dog Stars,’ chimed in with his own admiration for the pair’s work in ‘Michael.’

Elordi and Domingo have a history of their own, having starred together on ‘Euphoria’ and previously sat down for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, so his praise carried the weight of a genuine industry peer rather than just a polite plug. That kind of cross-promotion has become a hallmark of Domingo’s guest-hosting week, which also features Marlon Wayans, Arsenio Hall, and Niecy Nash-Betts across the following nights.

Fans watching online quickly latched onto clips from the segment, sharing moments of Jackson’s sharp red suit and giddy energy throughout the interview. The chemistry between Jackson and Domingo has been a consistent talking point since ‘Michael’ first hit theaters, and this appearance only reinforced why audiences keep responding to it.

The reunion also lands at a moment when ‘Michael’ is riding a serious wave of momentum. The film has become the first biopic in history to cross $1 billion worldwide, a milestone that has kept both Jackson and Domingo in high demand on the press circuit well after the movie’s theatrical run wound down.

That box office success has been matched by a surprisingly strong showing on the awards circuit. Both actors won honors at the 2026 Astra Midseason Movie Awards, with Jackson taking home Best Actor and Domingo winning Best Supporting Actor, beating out competitive fields that included Ryan Gosling and Edward Norton, respectively.

Jackson’s performance has carried extra weight given his personal connection to the material. As Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, the role marked his acting debut, and his casting was personally approved by his grandmother, Katherine Jackson, who said he embodies her late uncle.

The film’s awards buzz continued to build in the weeks that followed the Astras, with ‘Michael’ also picking up multiple wins at the National Film Awards UK, a ceremony decided entirely by public vote. That kind of grassroots support suggests the movie’s momentum has real staying power beyond its impressive theatrical numbers.

With the film now available to stream at home, its Kimmel reunion feels perfectly timed to keep the conversation going for audiences who may have missed it in theaters. Jackson and Domingo’s easy rapport on screen continues to be one of the most compelling parts of the film’s entire rollout, from its initial premiere all the way through this current wave of awards recognition.

Domingo’s guest hosting week is still ongoing, but this opening night reunion has already set a high bar for the rest of the lineup to follow. What did you think of Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo’s reunion on Kimmel? Let us know in the comments.