Jaafar Jackson Discusses His Readiness for the ‘Michael’ Sequel
Jaafar Jackson has had an incredible breakout year. With no prior professional acting experience, he landed the lead role in a biopic about his late uncle, which quickly became a global sensation. Now, the sequel to ‘Michael’ is the hot topic in Hollywood, and Jackson is sharing his thoughts on the matter.
Antoine Fuqua’s film premiered on April 24, 2026, and opened to an impressive $97.2 million domestically. It made history as the first biopic to surpass $1 billion at the global box office, marking Lionsgate’s most successful release to date. While critics had mixed reviews, many highlighted Jackson’s performance as strikingly authentic.
On May 21, Lionsgate announced that a sequel is in the works, although a release date has yet to be confirmed. Jackson recently spoke on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, expressing his eagerness to return to the role, stating, “I’m more than ready to get back into it.” He noted that he hasn’t received any specific updates regarding the timeline, but his schedule is open.
Lionsgate has provided more clarity on the timeline than Jackson. Adam Fogelson, the studio’s motion picture chief, mentioned that production for the sequel could begin at the end of this year or early next year, with a release anticipated for 2027 or 2028. He also indicated that the sequel will likely include several major musical sequences that were filmed previously.
This is noteworthy, considering the first film’s tumultuous production. The original cut was nearly four hours long, and the third act was discarded after addressing the abuse allegations from the early 1990s. The reshoots reportedly cost $15 million, and the final film concludes years before those events.
Instead of lamenting the lost third act, Jackson views the unused material as valuable practice for future roles. He dedicated about two years to preparation before landing the part, compiling an extensive archive of songs, demos, writings, journals, rehearsals, and performances. This preparation provided him with a wealth of material to draw from beyond Michael Jackson’s well-known public persona.
He even shared how he sent producer Graham King an unsolicited message in Michael’s voice, which led to coaching the very next day. Regarding the sequel’s direction, Jackson stated that those decisions are not up to him, indicating that it’s a matter for the studio executives.
His story begins. The official trailer for MICHAEL – in theaters and IMAX April 24. https://t.co/DfGJNcuXU2
— Michael (@michaelmovie) February 2, 2026
As discussions about the sequel continue, Jackson’s profile continues to rise. He made his debut at the Met Gala in May, wearing a black velvet Polo Ralph Lauren suit, and has been a prominent figure at events like the Academy Museum Gala this month. Variety has noted that he is now in the conversation for Best Actor alongside stars like Ryan Gosling, Pedro Pascal, Matt Damon, and John Malkovich.
Jackson expressed that this recognition is an honor and motivates him to push his limits further. He mentioned that he is ready to support the film in any way the studio requires. He also revealed that he set goals two years before filming began, including surpassing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and achieving the billion-dollar milestone, which left him feeling quite emotional.
While the sequel is being planned, Jackson is not remaining idle. He spoke to Variety just two days after completing filming for ‘Supermax’ alongside Will Smith, which involved 40 days of shooting in Australia. This role does not require singing or dancing, marking a significant shift from his debut, which revolved around his uncle’s iconic voice and movements.
This versatility could be crucial. Taking on a completely different character allows him to showcase his range beyond the King of Pop, while also keeping his options open as Lionsgate finalizes its plans.
For fans, the major question is what the sequel will explore. The first film concludes at the height of Michael’s career in the late 1980s, and the sequel is expected to delve into later chapters of his life. How it will address the more complex themes that the first film sidestepped remains the biggest mystery.
Jackson is keeping details close to the vest, but his enthusiasm is evident. Currently, everything is aligning: a billion-dollar hit, a confirmed sequel, footage already filmed, and a star eager to return. All that remains is a start date.
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