Lionsgate says filming on a sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic Michael could begin in late 2026 or early 2027, following the first film’s global box-office success. The proposed follow-up is significant because Michael has reportedly become the highest-grossing musician biopic ever, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody, and the sequel could explore a more controversial period of Jackson’s life.

The first film has earned more than $1.016 billion worldwide and stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, covering his career through the 1987 Bad tour. A legal issue involving a settlement with accuser Jordan Chandler reportedly led to $50 million in reshoots and the removal of material about child sexual abuse allegations; Lionsgate has not confirmed the sequel’s content, but says previously filmed musical sequences may be reused. The studio hopes to release the sequel in late 2027 or early 2028.