Overview
- Lionsgate announced Thursday that it has officially greenlit a sequel to Michael and hopes to begin filming in late 2026 or early 2027 with a target release in late 2027 or the first half of 2028.
- The sequel decision follows the first film’s huge commercial success, which exceeded $1 billion worldwide and made it the highest‑grossing music biopic to date.
- Adam Fogelson told investors the studio expects to incorporate several large music sequences already shot and is focused on finding the right budget to deliver a larger production.
- Reports say the original production removed allegations of sexual abuse after the Jackson estate and lawyers cited a clause that barred depiction of a plaintiff, prompting rewrites and reshoots and media reports that the estate helped fund those changes.
- Key creative questions remain unresolved, including which period of Jackson’s life the sequel will cover, whether it will address the abuse allegations, and whether director Antoine Fuqua will return, all of which could shape the film’s editorial independence and audience reaction.