"Michael": filming set to begin soon on the sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic

After the strong commercial performance of “Michael”, the biopic dedicated to Michael Jackson, the idea of a sequel is starting to take shape. The project is already in development and, according to early reports, filming could begin by the end of the year, with the aim of capitalizing on the success of the first installment.

The film, in which Michael Jackson is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, posted impressive box-office results, taking in $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend alone — a figure that puts it at the top of the music biopic ranks, surpassing the previous benchmark set by “Bohemian Rhapsody“. Ever since its release, speculation about a sequel had been circulating, and it has now been officially confirmed.

Updates came from Adam Fogelson, a Lionsgate executive, speaking on the podcast The Town With Matt Belloni. Fogelson pointed out that there is more than enough material to continue the story, citing both the artist's vast musical catalogue and pivotal moments in his career, including the famous Super Bowl XXVII halftime show performance.

Questions remain, however, about the production timeline. The first film's director, Antoine Fuqua, is currently committed to a Netflix project with Denzel Washington, which could affect scheduling.

On the narrative side, there's also the open question of whether to include the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, always denied by the artist and his estate. The first film was meant to tackle them, but legal constraints forced substantial changes, requiring reshoots and an additional cost of around $15 million. As a result, the script was redirected toward a different phase of his life, focusing instead on his relationship with his father Joe, played by Colman Domingo.

“Michael” debuted with record-breaking numbers: $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend, of which $97 million came from the United States. It's the best-ever opening for a music biopic, ahead of “Straight Outta Compton” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which nonetheless remains the all-time benchmark in the long run with roughly $900 million in total earnings. The film also ranks as the second-best debut of 2026, behind “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”.

The film's release coincides with fresh controversy surrounding the King of Pop. James Safechuck, one of the central figures in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland”, has criticized the celebration of a figure accused of serious abuse. Director Dan Reed has accused the film of deliberately ignoring the controversies, using harsh words toward the artist. Director Antoine Fuqua fired back immediately, casting doubt on the credibility of certain testimonies and pointing to possible financial motives. Reed countered by stressing that neither Safechuck nor Wade Robson stood to gain financially from the allegations. For their part, Jackson's estate continues to dismiss “Leaving Neverland” as a baseless reconstruction, calling it "a complete sham".

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