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Michael Jackson biopic success and sequel development

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2026-08-24 12:11 UTC → 2026-08-29 12:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic *Michael* maintained its record-breaking momentum through July 2026, surpassing $1 billion worldwide and overtaking *Oppenheimer* as the highest-grossing music biopic. On 10 August 2026, the film officially debuted on the Starz streaming platform. While the film holds a 97% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has received a more critical reception with a 38% rating from critics. Lionsgate is actively developing a sequel, *Michael 2*, in collaboration with the Jackson estate. Adam Fogelson, president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, confirmed the studio is working on a large-scale continuation, with filming expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 and a theatrical release projected between late 2027 and the first half of 2028. Lionsgate noted that approximately 25% to 30% of the necessary footage, including major musical sequences omitted from the original edit, has already been recorded. Lead actor Jaafar Jackson has confirmed that the sequel will address the child sexual abuse allegations faced by the pop star during the 1990s and 2000s, including his 2005 trial. The first film concluded in 1987 with the release of the ‘Bad’ music video; the sequel is expected to cover the period from 1988 through Jackson’s final years. Jackson stated in an interview with GQ Middle East that the film aims to provide insight from his uncle’s perspective, noting that the family felt Michael’s own voice was missing and that previous narratives were “someone else’s story. . . It’s someone else’s idea of what it is, and it’s mainly driven by an agenda.” Recent reports indicate the omission of these allegations in the first film was partly due to a legal clause in a settlement that prevented the mention of one accuser, Jordan Chandler.

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