Lionsgate unveiled a trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic titled “Michael” on Monday, shedding light on some aspects of one of the highly anticipated films of 2026 while leaving many unanswered questions. Initially announced in 2022, the film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the late icon’s nephew, chronicles the King of Pop’s journey from obscurity to global stardom. Originally set for an April 2025 premiere, the release was pushed back first by six months and later by a year reportedly due to reshoots.
Reports suggest that these delays were linked to the inclusion of a segment addressing the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. Allegedly, a legal agreement between the musician’s estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993, forced significant alterations to the movie’s ending. Chandler received a settlement of approximately $20 million, with claims that the estate failed to disclose restrictions on depicting him or his family to the film’s producers. However, this has not been confirmed by Fuqua, Lionsgate, or Jackson’s estate.
The film’s conclusion modifications and potential coverage of the criminal and civil cases against Jackson remain uncertain. Despite facing accusations of sexual abuse in 2005, Jackson was acquitted on all charges, which he and his estate consistently denied. Speculation also surrounds the possibility of a sequel to the movie, with rumors circulating since mid-last year suggesting a two-part division focusing on different phases of Jackson’s life.
Fuqua’s reshoots for “Michael” reportedly aimed at transforming the original single film into two parts primarily due to the legal complexities encountered. Although plans for a sequel are yet to be confirmed officially, Lionsgate’s Adam Folgeson hinted at the creative team’s efforts to deliver more content post the initial film release.
Regarding the involvement of Jackson’s family in the biopic’s production, details remain unclear. Despite actor Colman Domingo’s statement about Paris and Prince Jackson’s support for the film, Paris Jackson refuted claims of her involvement on Instagram. She mentioned providing feedback on an early draft but distanced herself from the project due to inaccuracies. Such instances of family intervention and the portrayal of artists in a positive light are commonplace in music biopics, as seen in previous films like “Bob Marley: One Love” and “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.”
Michael Jackson’s estate’s influence on his media portrayal has been evident in various instances, with actions taken against projects like the MJ Live tour and HBO’s documentary “Leaving Neverland.” The estate’s efforts to control how Jackson is depicted reflect a broader trend among musician estates shaping narratives in the entertainment industry.
Despite behind-the-scenes challenges, the star power of Michael Jackson and the film’s potential have drawn attention, with industry experts predicting “Michael” as a breakout hit of 2026. Projections hint at the possibility of the biopic surpassing the billion-dollar mark at the box office, underscoring the enduring appeal of music biopics centered on iconic figures.
