Story perspectives

Estate Funds $25M Reshoot, Biopic Drops Abuse Claims

4/26/2026

Summary

Lionsgate Releases Michael

Lionsgate released the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” in theaters on April 24, 2026 after multiple delays.
Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King each received $15 million and $10 million respectively for reshooting scenes about the 1993 abuse allegations.
The third act was reworked to end in 1988, omitting any reference to the 1993 abuse allegations.
The Jackson estate funded the $10-$15 million budget increase in exchange for an equity stake.

Summary

Safechuck Urges

James Safechuck, featured in HBO’s 2019 Leaving Neverland documentary, posted a Friday video urging survivors to speak out.
Director Antoine Fuqua said he wanted to depict Michael Jackson’s 2003 arrest in a scene where the singer is stripped naked and treated as an animal.
The film holds a 38 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and box-office forecasts range $94-$100 million and near $200 million worldwide, prompting talk of a sequel.

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Lionsgate Releases Michael

Lionsgate released the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” in theaters on April 24, 2026 after multiple delays.
Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King each received $15 million and $10 million respectively for reshooting scenes about the 1993 abuse allegations.
The third act was reworked to end in 1988, omitting any reference to the 1993 abuse allegations.
The Jackson estate funded the $10-$15 million budget increase in exchange for an equity stake.

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