The massive wave of excitement for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has pushed studio executives to confirm they are actively developing a sequel. Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson announced the news just one day after the first trailer for Michael shattered records with over 30 million views in its first six hours online. The teaser’s performance surpassed the studio’s previous hit, John Wick: Chapter 4, by fifty percent, signaling enormous audience interest in Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his legendary uncle.
Official Studio Announcement on Sequel Development
While not yet giving a final greenlight, Lionsgate’s top executive confirmed the team is preparing for a two-part story. On a recent earnings call, Adam Fogelson shared his reaction to the completed first film and outlined the future.
“Since the last time we worked together on an earnings call, we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the director’s cut of the first film, and it is exceptional,” Fogelson stated. “While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.”
He also praised the performance of lead star Jaafar Jackson, noting that even the brief glimpses in the trailer have stunned viewers. The strong positive reaction to the trailer was a key factor in the studio’s decision to move forward with sequel plans.
Why The Film Was Split Into Two Parts
The plan to split Michael Jackson’s life story across two films stems from both creative and legal reasons. The initial director’s cut of the movie ran for over three and a half hours, a length considered too long for a single theatrical release.
Furthermore, the production encountered a significant legal obstacle. The original footage included content related to one of Jackson’s accusers. However, a past settlement between that individual and the Jackson’s estate guaranteed they would never be portrayed in a dramatization. This detail was initially overlooked when the estate approved the project. This made restructuring the film’s third act necessary and contributed to the decision to tell the story in two parts.
Reports suggest the first film will cover Jackson’s early life and career, potentially concluding with the release of his hit solo album Off the Wall and his departure from the Jackson 5.
Behind the Scenes of the “Michael” Biopic
Development for the film began back in 2019, with Oscar-nominated writer John Logan crafting the screenplay and producer Graham King, known for Bohemian Rhapsody, leading the project. Acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua, famous for films like Training Day, was brought on to direct in 2023.
The film features a star-studded cast. Michael Jackson is played by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his acting debut. The supporting cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s entertainment lawyer. The film will feature 30 songs from Jackson’s iconic catalog.
The project has not been without controversy. Producer Graham King has stated the film aims to “humanize but not sanitize” Jackson, exploring his complicated life. This includes addressing the child sexual abuse allegations made against him. The recently released docuseries Leaving Neverland, which details these allegations, has cast a long shadow over the project. Its director, Dan Reed, has already criticized a draft of the script as “startlingly disingenuous.”
Even Jackson’s own family has had a mixed response. While his nephew Jaafar leads the film, his daughter Paris Jackson has publicly stated she has “zero percent involvement” and had previously criticized early script drafts.
Release Details and What Comes Next
The first film, Michael, is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on April 24, 2026. The release was delayed from its original dates in April and October 2025 to accommodate the extensive additional photography required to complete the project.
With the first trailer now generating immense buzz and the studio officially developing the sequel, fans can expect to see the full story of Michael Jackson’s life and career unfold on the big screen across two epic films.
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