Lionsgate is already looking beyond the success of 'Michael', confirming that a second instalment of the Michael Jackson biopic is firmly in the works.
During the studio's latest earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson revealed that production on the sequel is expected to begin either towards the end of 2026 or in the opening months of 2027. The studio is currently targeting a theatrical release sometime between late 2027 and the first half of 2028.
The decision comes after 'Michael' proved to be one of the studio's biggest successes in recent years. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film charted Jackson's rise from his days as a member of the Jackson 5 to the global phenomenon that followed, ending with the singer's 'Bad' world tour in 1987. Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, took on the role of the pop icon, while the film's closing message, "His Story Continues", strongly hinted that audiences hadn't seen the final chapter.
According to Fogelson, work on the sequel is already well under way. The production team will draw upon material that was filmed during the making of the first film but ultimately didn't make the final cut.
Among the scenes expected to be reused are several large-scale musical performances, allowing the studio to build upon material that has already been completed while keeping production costs under control.
Given the scale of 'Michael's' success, that task might prove just as ambitious as telling the story of the King of Pop in the first place.
