Full Breakdown
Lionsgate Confirms Development of Michael Jackson Biopic Sequel
5/23/2026, 12:17:54 PM
Sequel Confirmation and Development Status
Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson announced during the company’s quarterly earnings call that a second film continuing the story of Michael Jackson is in active development. He described the progress as “really excited” and noted that discussions with “all of the appropriate parties” are proceeding “exceptionally well.” The studio indicated that the sequel may employ a non-chronological structure, moving “forwards and backwards” through Jackson’s career.
First Film’s Performance and Narrative Scope
The 2026 biopic *Michael*, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, opened on April 24 and concluded with the caption “His Story Continues.” It chronicled Jackson’s early life through the peak of his fame in the late 1980s, ending during the 1987 Bad tour. Reported worldwide grosses range from $700 million to $715 million, and the production budget exceeded $155 million. The film’s success placed it among the year’s top-grossing releases.
Key Personnel and Production Details
- Adam Fogelson – Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair, primary spokesperson for the sequel.
- Jon Feltheimer – Lionsgate CEO, referenced the reuse of existing footage.
- Antoine Fuqua – Director of the first film; involvement in the sequel has not been confirmed.
- Jaafar Jackson – Nephew of Michael Jackson and lead actor in the original picture.
Quantitative Overview
- Box-office earnings: $700 million–$715 million (various reports).
- Production budget of the first film: > $155 million.
- Existing material for the sequel: approximately 25 %–30 % of a second movie already captured during the first film’s production.
Official Statements & Responses
Fogelson emphasized that the sequel will draw on “a ton of incredibly entertaining Michael Jackson story” and will incorporate major portions of the artist’s catalog omitted from the first film. He also highlighted the studio’s confidence that the new movie will “appeal once again to a global audience.” Feltheimer added that the pre-shot footage will provide “financial benefit” while the studio aims to deliver a “big and satisfying movie for a global audience.”
Criticism and Legal Constraints
Critics of the original biopic noted its sanitized portrayal of Jackson’s life, particularly the limited treatment of the child-molestation allegations. A settlement with Jordan Chandler barred any depiction of those accusations, prompting extensive reshoots and the removal of the film’s intended third act. The sequel may need to navigate the same legal restrictions if it addresses later controversies.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the first film’s total gross, citing $700 million, $715 million, and speculation of a potential $1 billion milestone. No definitive release window or confirmed involvement of director Fuqua or star Jaafar Jackson for the sequel has been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are really excited about the progress we’re making with respect to a second Michael film,” — Adam Fogelson, Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair
- “All the conversations that we’ve been having with all of the appropriate parties continue to go exceptionally well.” — Adam Fogelson
- “We can go forwards and backwards in telling this story.” — Adam Fogelson
- “There are so many other events that happened, even in the time frame of the original movie, that weren’t touched upon.” — Adam Fogelson
- “We think we’ve got 25 to 30 percent of a second movie already shot from the prior production activity,” — Adam Fogelson
Future Outlook
Lionsgate plans to integrate the pre-shot material while expanding the narrative to cover Jackson’s *Dangerous*, *HIStory*, and later touring eras. The studio has not announced a production schedule or release date, but the ongoing “exceptionally well” discussions suggest that development will continue through the remainder of 2026.
