Lionsgate Confirms ‘Michael 2’ Production Timeline After Original Biopic’s Success

In light of the phenomenal success of its biopic ‘Michael,’ Lionsgate has officially announced plans for a sequel, detailing the production timeline during a recent earnings call. Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson shared that the studio aims to begin production towards the end of 2026 or early 2027, with the sequel expected to hit theaters by late 2027 or in the first half of 2028.

The original film ‘Michael,’ which debuted in April 2026, quickly became a cultural sensation, grossing $1 billion globally and earning the title of the highest-grossing musical biopic ever. Its overwhelming commercial success made a sequel almost a foregone conclusion, especially since the first film concluded with the phrase “His Story Continues,” clearly indicating that the King of Pop’s journey would carry on.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, the 2026 film traced the entertainer’s rise from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his ascent to global fame. However, it notably concluded its narrative at the 1987 Bad World Tour at London’s Wembley Stadium, intentionally leaving out later albums and controversies due to legal limitations.

During the earnings call, Fogelson provided further insights into how the sequel could build upon the original story. He mentioned that previously filmed musical sequences that were not included in the first movie would “almost surely be incorporated” into the sequel. “We have a number of sequences, particularly some big musical numbers, that were shot previously, that are almost sure to be included,” Fogelson explained.

“Our main focus right now is ensuring we can deliver, at the right price, the biggest and best sequel. That is what the audience will want and deserve after the experience we provided the first time,” he added.

The production history of the original film has provided a wealth of unused material for the sequel. During filming, the Jackson estate encountered a legal issue that necessitated approximately $50 million in reshoots. A settlement clause with one of Jackson’s accusers prohibited the depiction of certain material, leading to significant portions of the script being removed and reworked. Despite these obstacles, a considerable amount of footage was captured that could now be utilized for the sequel.

Fogelson indicated that the creative direction for the sequel remains adaptable regarding the timeline. Filmmakers have the flexibility to explore “forwards and backwards” through Jackson’s history to highlight significant moments that the first film could not cover.

The sequel may delve into Jackson’s later album eras, including the making of ‘Dangerous’ (1991) and ‘Invincible’ (2001), the development and management of Neverland Ranch, and other pivotal periods of his life and career that showcase some of his most beloved music.

Fogelson stressed that the studio is committed to delivering a sequel that lives up to the original’s success rather than rushing the project. He remarked, “There is a ton of incredibly entertaining Michael Jackson story, and much of the biggest and most popular parts of his music catalog that were not addressed in the first film.” This approach indicates that the filmmakers will prioritize quality and thoroughness in portraying Jackson’s story over adhering to a tight schedule.

This announcement comes as Lionsgate’s motion picture division continues to prosper, with the company reporting record revenue figures. The studio’s success with ‘Michael’ positions it well to greenlight other prestigious projects while also leveraging the franchise’s momentum with the sequel.

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