Lionsgate is planning to begin production on a sequel to Antoine Fuqua’s Michael in late 2026 or early 2027, following the first film’s reported box-office success. The studio hopes to release the follow-up by the end of 2027 or during the first half of 2028, an unusually rapid move for a music biopic sequel.

According to the article, Michael earned $1.021 billion worldwide, including $649 million internationally and $372 million domestically, making it the first biopic said to pass $1 billion. Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson had previously confirmed a second film was in development; it may address later, more controversial parts of Michael Jackson’s life that the first instalment largely avoided.