Overview
- Adam Fogelson told Lionsgate’s earnings call Thursday that the studio is targeting a production start in late 2026 or early 2027 and a release window from late 2027 to the first half of 2028.
- Lionsgate confirmed it will almost certainly incorporate several previously shot large musical sequences from Michael to shorten prep time and lower costs for the follow‑up.
- The first film was reworked after attorneys found a settlement clause linked to accuser Jordan Chandler that barred depiction of him, forcing removal of abuse material and expensive reshoots; those legal limits remain relevant for what the sequel can show.
- Key creative and financial elements are unfinished: Lionsgate has not announced a final director, the full cast, or a budget and has said it is not ready to reveal further details.
- The push for a sequel follows Michael’s roughly $1 billion global run and reflects a studio strategy to build on the film’s long‑term revenue while balancing creative scope with legal and cost constraints.