Lionsgate is moving forward with a sequel to “Michael” and hopes to begin filming the second biopic about Michael Jackson soon.
The studio is targeting late 2026 or early 2027 to begin production, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson said during the company’s earnings call Thursday, according to Variety. Consequently, the sequel could then arrive in theaters toward the end of 2027 or during the first half of 2028.
Although Lionsgate waited to officially greenlight the follow-up, the first “Michael” made it clear that Jackson’s story was not over. The film ends with the words “His Story Continues,” teasing another chapter in the King of Pop’s life.
What Could ‘Michael 2’ Cover?
Antoine Fuqua directed “Michael,” which follows Jackson’s rise from performing with the Jackson 5 to becoming one of the biggest stars in music history.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, portrays the singer in the film. The first movie concludes around Jackson’s 1987 “Bad” tour, leaving plenty of material for a potential sequel.
It remains unclear exactly which period of Jackson’s life “Michael 2” will explore. However, the sequel could potentially include his “Dangerous” era. It may also cover other major events that followed the period in the first film.
The filmmakers also have previously shot material that could make its way into the sequel.
“We have a number of sequences, particularly some big musical sequences, that were shot previously, that are almost sure to be incorporated,” Fogelson said during the earnings call, according to Variety.
‘Michael 2’ Could Use Previously Shot Footage
The first “Michael” underwent significant changes after a legal dispute involving the Jackson estate and a settlement connected to one of the allegations against the singer.
The original film was expected to address allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson. However, the filmmakers were forced to remove portions of that storyline after attorneys for the Jackson estate discovered a provision in a settlement that restricted how one of the accusers could be portrayed.
As a result, much of the story had to be reworked.
Fogelson previously indicated that some of the material removed from the first movie could potentially be incorporated into the sequel.
“We are mostly focused right now on how to make sure we can deliver, at the right price, the biggest, best sequel,” Fogelson said. “That is what the audience is going to want and deserve after the experience we gave them the first time.”
The studio has not yet revealed a budget for “Michael 2.”
When Could ‘Michael 2’ Be Released?
For now, Lionsgate is looking at a production start sometime toward the end of 2026 or in early 2027.
If filming stays on schedule, the studio hopes to release the sequel by the end of 2027 or during the first half of 2028.
The potential sequel comes after “Michael” became a major box office success. The film has earned approximately $1 billion worldwide, surpassing “Bohemian Rhapsody” to become the highest-grossing music biopic.
Fogelson has previously expressed confidence that there is enough material surrounding Jackson’s life and career to support another movie.
“There is a massive amount of music … and life experiences separate and apart from allegations … that would fill more than a second movie on its own,” he said earlier this year.
With production potentially beginning within the next year, more details about “Michael 2” could emerge. As a result, Lionsgate may soon determine the film’s story, budget and release plans.
