Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Delays and Possible Split Into Two Films

The nearly four-hour film may be divided into two parts as legal disputes and reshoots push its release date beyond October 2025, potentially to 2026.

Overview

  • The biopic 'Michael,' directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, is being considered for a split into two films due to its extensive runtime and production challenges.
  • Ongoing reshoots are addressing legal disputes related to the depiction of child abuse allegations, which were barred by prior agreements with the Jackson estate.
  • The film's current release date of October 3, 2025, is increasingly unlikely, with reports suggesting a potential delay to 2026.
  • Lionsgate did not showcase any footage of 'Michael' at its 2025 CinemaCon presentation, fueling speculation about the film's uncertain timeline.
  • The Jackson estate is funding the reshoots, adding to the film's $155 million budget, as producers aim to balance Jackson's legacy with the controversies surrounding his life.