Lionsgate plans sequel to Michael Jackson biopic

Lionsgate is working on a sequel to Michael and hopes to get cameras rolling on the second Michael Jackson biopic in the near future.

Speaking at a financial earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson announced that the studio plans to begin production in late 2026 or early 2027, aiming for a theatrical release in late next year or the first half of 2028, according to Variety.

While the studio hadn't rushed to officially greenlight a sequel, the first Michael film released this spring became a true box-office phenomenon, grossing $1 billion worldwide. The movie concluded with the telling tagline "His story continues," letting audiences know it was far too soon to say goodbye to the King of Pop.

What is known about the plot and plans for the sequel?

The first film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, chronicles the artist's journey from the Jackson 5 to global superstardom. The lead role was played by the singer's actual nephew, Jaafar Jackson. The movie wraps up around 1987 during the Bad world tour.

It has not yet been specified which period of Jackson's life the second installment will cover, but creators have plenty of material at their disposal—including the iconic Dangerous album, as well as the numerous child sexual abuse allegations that followed the singer for the rest of his life.

Due to legal disputes, the first film steered clear of the most controversial moments in Jackson's biography. Plans to touch upon the molestation allegations were abruptly scrapped after the singer's estate lawyers discovered a clause in a settlement agreement with one of the accusers that prohibited any mention of the incident in film, forcing creators to overhaul the script.

Nevertheless, according to Fogelson, some material left out of the first installment could make it into the sequel. "We have a number of sequences, particularly major musical numbers, that were shot previously and will almost certainly be incorporated into the film," Fogelson said. "Right now, we are primarily focused on delivering the highest-quality and most ambitious sequel possible at a sensible price point."