The Rich Eisen Show Hour 3: ‘Overreaction Monday,’ plus ‘Michael’ Director Antoine Fuqua In-Studio
Mar 30, 2026
Antoine Fuqua, film director famous for Training Day, talks about directing the Michael Jackson biopic Michael and casting Jaafar Jackson. He revisits making Training Day and Denzel Washington’s breakthrough. He also shares his love of the Pittsburgh Steelers and behind-the-scenes memories from recreating iconic Michael moments.
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Casting Jafar Jackson As Michael
- Antoine Fuqua first encountered Jafar Jackson via footage that made him think Jafar was Michael Jackson himself.
- Jafar rehearsed as Michael for two years, had never acted before, and on his first day performing Bad in front of 500 extras he stunned the crew.
Follow Trailblazers To Break Creative Boxes
- Use trailblazers as creative permission to expand beyond perceived limits.
- Fuqua cites Michael Jackson breaking MTV barriers as proof you don't have to stay confined to one genre or medium.
Coleman Domingo Landed Joe Jackson Spontaneously
- Coleman Domingo was an unplanned, immediate fit for Joe Jackson after Fuqua spotted him in makeup and cast him the same day.
- Fuqua filmed Domingo's performance at the brothers' final tour sequence from that first, unplanned test.