‘Michael 2’ Eyes Filming Start ‘Towards the End of this Year’ or Early 2027 as Lionsgate Teases Release Date
Lionsgate is preparing to move forward with "Michael 2," the sequel to its Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," with production expected to begin towards the end of 2026 or in early 2027. Studio motion picture chief Adam Fogelson confirmed the timeline during a company earnings call, adding that a release is targeted for late 2027 or the first half of 2028. The update matters because "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, became a major box office success this spring, grossing $1 billion globally, and ended with a title card signalling more instalments to come.
The first film covered Jackson's rise from the Jackson 5 through to his 1987 "Bad" tour, and it remains unclear which period of his life the sequel will explore, though his "Dangerous" album era and the abuse allegations that dogged him are potential material. A last-minute legal dispute, stemming from a settlement clause barring depictions of one accuser, forced the original film to cut planned scenes addressing the molestation claims; Fogelson said some previously shot footage, including major musical sequences, is likely to be used in the sequel. He declined to give a budget figure, saying the priority is delivering "the biggest, best sequel" at the right price.
- Lionsgate eyes "Michael 2" filming for late 2026 or early 2027.
- Release targeted for late 2027 or first half of 2028.
- Sequel may use previously shot, unused musical footage.
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Michael Jackson was an American singer who first became famous as a child in the Jackson 5, the family group he performed in with his brothers. His solo career included landmark albums such as Bad and Dangerous. A biographical film called Michael, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, traced his rise through the 1987 Bad tour.
Jackson’s life and legacy are also shaped by allegations of child sexual abuse, which he denied; he was acquitted in a 2005 criminal trial. The allegations and their portrayal have been subjects of legal disputes, including one that affected scenes planned for the first film. The story matters because filmmakers must decide how to cover both his music and the contested parts of his life.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Advocates for the sequel argue that comprehensive biographical filmmaking should not shy away from major historical figures, and that audiences deserve the opportunity to engage with Jackson's full story across his entire career. The extraordinary commercial and critical success of the first film demonstrates significant public interest, and there is no principled basis for preventing filmmakers from exploring later periods of his life with the care that Antoine Fuqua's team has demonstrated.
The case against
Critics express concern that the project risks handling sensitive allegations irresponsibly, particularly given documented legal difficulties and forced editorial cuts from the first film. They argue there is an ethical distinction between artistic freedom and the responsibility filmmakers bear toward survivors when depicting allegations of abuse, especially when substantial financial incentives exist to downplay uncomfortable truths.
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