Story perspectives

Lionsgate's $200M “Michael” Aims $70M Opening

4/24/2026

Summary

Lionsgate Releases Michael

Lionsgate released the Michael Jackson biopic *Michael* on April 24, 2026 after the estate funded reshoots that lifted the budget to $200 million.
A 22-day, $15–$25 million reshoot removed a 1993 Neverland raid scene.
Pre-release previews earned $12.6 million, prompting the studio to expect a $70 million opening that could beat the $60 million *Straight Outta Compton* record.
Rotten Tomatoes shows a 96 percent audience score versus a 40 percent critic score, reflecting enthusiasm despite mixed reviews.

Summary

Jackson Cuts Ross

The Michael Jackson biopic removed Diana Ross scenes, prompting fans on social media to voice disappointment, saying “No Janet Jackson, No Diana Ross. What’s left to see?”
Rolling Stone critic David Fear called the film “The Passion of St. Michael” and said it is not truly a biopic.
Actress Kat Graham, known for *The Vampire Diaries*, confirmed her Diana Ross scenes were cut, showing legal constraints reshaped casting.

History

Historical Context

In August 1993 LAPD raided Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, prompting a civil settlement on Jan 25 1994 that included a clause barring depiction of the Chandler case. When Lionsgate began its 2026 biopic, the clause forced the third act to be reshot, inflating the budget by $10 million. The episode shows how the 1993 controversy still shapes estate-controlled portrayals.

1 of 3

Lionsgate Releases Michael

Lionsgate released the Michael Jackson biopic *Michael* on April 24, 2026 after the estate funded reshoots that lifted the budget to $200 million.
A 22-day, $15–$25 million reshoot removed a 1993 Neverland raid scene.
Pre-release previews earned $12.6 million, prompting the studio to expect a $70 million opening that could beat the $60 million *Straight Outta Compton* record.
Rotten Tomatoes shows a 96 percent audience score versus a 40 percent critic score, reflecting enthusiasm despite mixed reviews.

1 / 3