Michael Jackson Biopic Release Uncertain: Will It Be Two Films Instead?

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At CinemaCon, studios exhibit their upcoming projects that are anticipated. Lionsgate, during its presentation, shrewdly announced that John Wick would be returning for another action-packed adventure, while also hinting at the growth of the John Wick universe. Moreover, Lionsgate has a highly anticipated musical biopic, Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, on its schedule. This film about Michael Jackson is expected to hit theaters this fall, but surprisingly, it was not part of their presentation. The reason for its absence could be related to the release strategy and whether or not it will actually debut this year.

By the stipulated deadline, the Michael Jackson biopic is nearing a four-hour runtime, leading Lionsgate to ponder dividing the project into two movies. This practice has been employed in final installments of series like Harry Potter and Twilight, but it’s uncommon for biopics. However, given the extensive scope of Michael Jackson’s life, from his days with the Jackson 5 to the record-breaking success of Thriller, followed by the tumultuous events that unfolded throughout the ’90s up until his death in 2009, it might be beneficial to split the films into two parts if Lionsgate deems it financially feasible. This approach would ensure a more comprehensive portrayal of Jackson’s life’s key moments.

Will ‘Michael’ Actually Be Released This Year?

Is there any doubt that the movie “Michael” will meet its Oct. 3 release date, given that it was pushed back from this month earlier for the purpose of garnering attention during awards season? However, recent rumors suggest that the third act may require revisions due to legal issues with the Jackson estate. Reportedly, there were events related to Jordan Chandler’s molestation allegations in the 1990s that the estate didn’t want depicted because a settlement had been reached at the time explicitly prohibiting such dramatization. It’s puzzling as to how this issue was overlooked given the Jackson estate’s involvement in the production and Jaafar Jackson’s role as the musical icon, but it seems much of the third act was filmed and now needs to be altered accordingly. With October still a ways off, we can only speculate about how long these reshoots might take if these reports are true.

Speculation suggests there’s still an opportunity to adjust things for a complete release during this year’s awards season for the film, but indications lean towards a 2026 debut instead. No definitive decisions have been made yet, but Lionsgate has invested significantly in the project (with reported costs around $150 million, largely due to Jackson’s extensive music collection). Given the potential for success, it’s clear they understand the risks and rewards involved. Graham King, a key figure in this production, was also associated with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and grossed over $910.8 million globally. Given Jackson’s massive global popularity, there’s speculation that the upcoming biopic could rank among, or even surpass, the most successful musical biopics ever made.

Under the direction of Fuqua, and penned by John Logan, the film titled “Michael” delves into the life story of one of the world’s most productive entertainers ever, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his phenomenal solo career achievements. The movie will not only focus on his professional journey but also explore his personal life, revealing various challenges and hardships he faced until his passing in 2009. Joining the cast are actors like Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke.

For now, Michael hits screens on Oct. 3.

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2025-04-04 17:03