Colman Domingo is preparing to bring the life and legacy of Nat King Cole to the big screen in a musical biopic titled Unforgettable, a project that represents one of the most ambitious undertakings of his career to date. Long in development, the film has recently taken a significant step forward, with international sales underway and the project gaining momentum within the film industry.
Domingo will star as the iconic singer and pianist while also serving as director, co-writer, and producer. The film marks his feature directorial debut, deepening his creative involvement in a story he has been developing for years. He co-wrote the screenplay with Vernon Scott, shaping a narrative that aims to capture both the brilliance of Cole’s artistry and the personal and professional obstacles he faced.
Titled after Cole’s enduring 1951 classic, Unforgettable traces the musician’s rise to fame while examining his role as a quiet yet powerful cultural pioneer. The film explores Cole’s navigation of systemic racism, industry resistance, and personal doubt as he broke barriers in entertainment, becoming one of the first Black performers to host a nationally televised variety show while achieving international stardom.
Domingo’s connection to the material extends beyond film. He previously co-wrote the stage play Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole, which premiered in Los Angeles and later played in New York, and that work laid much of the emotional and historical groundwork for the upcoming film. The biopic builds on years of research and creative exploration, positioning the story as both an intimate character study and a broader reflection on race, fame, and artistic perseverance.
In addition to Domingo’s central performance, the film is being developed with a strong production and financing team, signalling confidence in its commercial and artistic potential. The project’s international scope suggests it is being positioned to reach audiences far beyond the United States, appealing to fans of classic music, prestige biopics, and character-driven storytelling.
For Domingo, Unforgettable represents a defining moment in an already celebrated career. Known for his versatility across film, television, and theatre, he now steps fully behind the camera to tell the story of a legend whose music and legacy continue to resonate decades later. The film aims to honour Nat King Cole not only as a timeless performer, but as a trailblazer whose influence shaped American culture.
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