[REVISION HISTORY]

Michael Jackson biopic $1B, sequel, estate battle

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-07-27 05:01 UTC → 2026-07-28 15:10 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Netflix’s three‑part documentary *Michael Jackson: The Verdict* kept pending civil suits on track for a February 2028 hearing, while Antoine Fuqua’s biopic *Michael* (released as “Majkl”) surpassed the $1 billion mark. After twelve weekends the film earned $1.001 billion worldwide—$371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million overseas—becoming the first biographical picture to breach that threshold and Lionsgate’s highest‑grossing release. Lionsgate confirmed the total on 14 July 2026 and announced a follow‑up, “Michael 2,” with Jaafar Jackson reprising the lead; production could begin in late 2026 or 2027, with up to a third of the sequel’s footage already shot, focusing on the “Dangerous” and “Invincible” eras and the construction of Neverland. The film’s IMAX contribution of $69 million helped lift the format’s second‑quarter revenue to $103 million, the strongest performance since 2019. It completed its U.S. theatrical run after 91 days, adding a final $20,000 to bring the domestic total to $372.3 million. The “LEGACY: La historia musical de Michael Jackson” tribute tour debuted in Colombia in August 2026, featuring the Colombian Philharmonic Orchestra and a contemporary circus troupe. Family tensions deepened. Janet Jackson publicly rejected any involvement, accusing brother Jermaine of exploiting the legacy. Paris Jackson received an extra $570 000 from the estate, prompting Prince and Bigi to cease direct contact and communicate only through lawyers. Prince, listed as co‑producer of the film, and Paris both criticized the script’s accuracy while continuing their legal challenges against executor John Branca over the roughly $4 billion estate. The franchise’s cultural impact and commercial momentum remain dominant throughout 2026. On 27 July 2026 Lionsgate announced that *Michael* will begin exclusive streaming on Starz on 10 August 2026, ending its theatrical window.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.