Lionsgate is moving forward with a Michael Jackson sequel that will incorporate 25 to 30 percent archival footage shot during production of the original biopic, studio executives revealed in May 2026 as the first “Michael” film approached $1 billion at the global box office.
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate’s motion picture group, confirmed the sequel is in development during a financial results call with analysts. “We are really excited about the progress we’re making with respect to a second Michael film,” Fogelson said. “All the conversations that we’ve been having with all the appropriate parties continue to go exceptionally well,” according to Screen Daily.
The original “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, opened April 24, 2026, and became a cultural phenomenon. The film has grossed more than $715 million worldwide and is on course to become Lionsgate’s first $1 billion global grosser, with a release in Japan still pending, Screen Daily reported.
The sequel’s use of archival material addresses a practical constraint: the original production was complicated by a reported legal settlement regarding historical allegations against Jackson. The studio has already captured substantial footage that can be repurposed for the follow-up, which Fogelson said will “have some benefit ultimately” to the economics of the project, according to Deadline.
Fogelson emphasized that the sequel will not simply extend the original’s narrative. “We can go forwards and backwards in telling this story. There are so many other events that happened, even in the time frame of the original movie, that weren’t touched upon,” he said, according to Screen Daily. The first film ended in 1988, at the height of Jackson’s commercial dominance, leaving vast stretches of his career and life unexplored.
“There is a ton of incredibly entertaining Michael Jackson story and much of the biggest and most popular parts of his music catalogue that were not touched upon in the first film,” Fogelson added. CEO Jon Feltheimer reinforced the studio’s confidence, stating: “We believe there is a lot more story to tell and a lot more music to share,” per Deadline.
The sequel’s greenlight reflects both the commercial success of music biopics in recent years and the particular strength of “Michael.” The original film opened to $217.4 million worldwide in its first weekend, the largest opening ever for a biopic, according to reports at the time. That momentum has sustained through multiple weeks of theatrical release, signaling broad audience appetite for Jackson’s story.
Lionsgate’s confidence in the sequel also reflects a broader industry trend. Music biopics have become increasingly central to studio strategy, with films like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Walk the Line” demonstrating both critical and commercial potential. The success of “Michael” validates the format’s appeal to global audiences, particularly when paired with a recognizable cultural icon and substantial production values.
The sequel remains in early development. No director, timeline, or additional casting has been announced. Fogelson’s comments suggest the studio is still in negotiations with “all the appropriate parties” — likely including the Jackson estate and other stakeholders — before moving to active pre-production.
Sources
- Screen Daily — Lionsgate’s confirmation of the sequel, the 25-30% archival footage detail, Fogelson’s quotes on the story scope, and the original film’s $715 million box office and path to $1 billion
- Deadline — Fogelson’s remarks on the sequel’s development, the archival footage economics, Feltheimer’s statement on additional story and music, and the original film’s trajectory
