Lionsgate Targets 2028 Release for Sequel to $1bn Michael Jackson Biopic
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Post By
DJ Longers
- August 7, 2026
‘His Story Continues’: Lionsgate Targets 2028 Release for Sequel to $1bn Michael Jackson Biopic
LOS ANGELES — Following the record-shattering $1 billion (£780 million) global success of its biographical drama Michael earlier this year, Lionsgate has confirmed that a sequel is in active development, with cameras set to roll as early as late 2026.
Speaking on the studio’s Q1 earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson outlined a production timetable aimed at bringing the second chapter of the King of Pop’s life to cinemas between late 2027 and the first half of 2028.
The announcement formalises long-standing speculation sparked by the first film's closing frame, which concluded with the ominous promise: "His Story Continues".
Leaning on Unused Archive Footage
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson in a star-making title role, the original $200 million feature chronicled Jackson’s rise from his childhood with the Jackson 5 to his zenith as an international solo superstar, culminating in his 1987 Bad World Tour.
However, the production team possesses a substantial head start on the follow-up. During filming for the original installment, extensive footage, including elaborate, large-scale musical sequences was captured before script adjustments narrowed the first film's narrative scope.
Fogelson confirmed to Wall Street analysts that much of that banked material will be incorporated directly into the sequel:
"We have a number of sequences, particularly some big musical sequences, that were shot previously, that are almost sure to be incorporated," Fogelson explained. "We are mostly focused right now on how to make sure we can deliver, at the right price, the biggest, best sequel. That is what the audience is going to want and deserve after the experience we gave them the first time."
Navigating the Controversial Later Years
While the original film earned widespread acclaim and massive commercial receipts for celebrating Jackson's artistic genius, the upcoming chapter is expected to navigate a significantly more complex decade in the singer's history.
Industry insiders expect the sequel, tentatively dubbed Michael 2—to chronicle the 1990s era surrounding the record-breaking Dangerous world tour and album, alongside the public turbulence and legal scrutiny that shadowed his later career.
Screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, Skyfall) is reportedly penning the script, balancing the estate's involvement with the demands of an authentic cinematic depiction.
Key Timeline & Production Overview for 'Michael 2'
| Production Attribute | Official Creative & Financial Details |
| Targeted Release Window | Late 2027 – First Half of 2028 (Lionsgate) |
| Projected Shooting Start | Late 2026 / Early 2027 |
| Expected Lead | Jaafar Jackson reprising the role of Michael Jackson |
| Preceding Film Performance | $1 billion+ global box office ($200m production budget) |
| Key Creative Team | Screenplay by John Logan; Produced by Graham King |
A Monster Franchise for Lionsgate
The $1 billion-plus gross of the original Michael represented the highest-grossing musical biopic in cinema history, providing a major financial boon for Lionsgate.
While the studio has not yet formally locked in the sequel's budget or confirmed whether Fuqua will return to the director's chair, Fogelson emphasised that development is accelerating rapidly.
With production slated to kick off within months, moviegoers can look forward to another global theatrical event when the King of Pop's story resumes in cinemas by 2028.
