# Michael Jackson biopic commercial success and development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/michael-jackson-biopic-commercial-success-and-development > Updated: 2026-10-19T23:21:44.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. The Michael Jackson biopic, ‘Michael’, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, has achieved historic commercial success by becoming the first biographical film to surpass $1 billion at the global box office. International markets contributed approximately $656 million, while North American markets accounted for roughly $372 million. Jaafar Jackson later revealed that a significant portion of the production was removed during editing. An entire third act intended to cover the singer’s later life and address child sexual abuse allegations was cut following the discovery of a legal clause in a settlement with accuser Jordan Chandler that prohibited such depictions. Consequently, the film concludes during the ‘Bad’ era. Due to the film’s financial performance, Lionsgate has confirmed a sequel, ‘Michael 2’, is in development. Production is tentatively expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 to cover later stages of the singer’s life. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Jaafar Jackson discusses deleted scenes and sequel for ‘Michael’ biopic Actor Jaafar Jackson discussed the removal of a third act from the ‘Michael’ biopic due to legal constraints and expressed readiness for a sequel following the film's billion-dollar box office success. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jaafar-jackson-discusses-michael-biopic-sequel-and-cut-scenes ### 2026-09-29: Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ surpasses $1 billion at global box office The Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’, starring Jaafar Jackson, has become the highest-grossing biopic ever, surpassing $1 billion at the global box office. A sequel is already in development. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-jackson-biopic-surpasses-1-billion-at-global-box-office --- Cite as: Michael Jackson biopic commercial success and development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/michael-jackson-biopic-commercial-success-and-development