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Lionsgate Advances “Michael” Sequel, 30% Filmed, Targets $1B

5/23/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Lionsgate Announces Sequel

Adam Fogelson, Lionsgate Studios Motion Picture Chair, announced the studio is moving forward with a sequel to “Michael.”
Jon Feltheimer, Lionsgate CEO, said 25% to 30% of the sequel is already shot.
He added that the existing footage will be reused to create a big, satisfying film for a global audience.
The first film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, could become Lionsgate’s first $1 billion worldwide box-office hit.

Summary

Lionsgate Splits Michael

The original “Michael” biopic became the second-biggest box-office movie of 2026, trailing only the year’s top-grossing release.
A settlement clause linked to the Jordan Chandler case barred depiction of the allegations and forced $15 million in reshoots of the first film.
Lionsgate CFO Jim Barge said in March the studio may split Michael Jackson’s story into two films.

History

Historical Context

In January 1994 Michael Jackson settled the Jordan Chandler child-abuse lawsuit for $23 million, a deal negotiated by attorney John Branca that included a confidentiality clause. That precedent now guides Lionsgate executives Adam Fogelson and Jon Feltheimer, who allocated significant funds for reshoots while honoring a similar clause for their upcoming biopic.

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Lionsgate Announces Sequel

Adam Fogelson, Lionsgate Studios Motion Picture Chair, announced the studio is moving forward with a sequel to “Michael.”
Jon Feltheimer, Lionsgate CEO, said 25% to 30% of the sequel is already shot.
He added that the existing footage will be reused to create a big, satisfying film for a global audience.
The first film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, could become Lionsgate’s first $1 billion worldwide box-office hit.

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