A deeper dive into the King of Pop’s legacy on film
As the world anticipates Michael, the definitive cinematic journey into the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, Lionsgate has dropped major updates that could redefine expectations for music biopics as we know them.
In a recent earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson revealed that the studio is actively exploring the possibility of splitting the film into two parts, an unprecedented move that reflects the depth and complexity of Jackson’s cultural footprint.
“At the end, when you look at the music library, when you look at what Michael Jackson was able to deliver in terms of music and contributions to art, whether or not that can be fit into one movie comfortably or not is a question that we are absolutely asking…” said Fogelson.
With over 3.5 hours of footage reportedly in hand — helmed by Oscar-nominated producer Graham King of Bohemian Rhapsody and visionary director Antoine Fuqua from Training Day — the scope of Michael is shaping up to be more than just a single film. If split, it would mark a bold new precedent in the genre, offering a deeper exploration of both the artistry and humanity behind one of the most iconic — and controversial — figures in music history.
While Lionsgate hasn’t confirmed a new release date, CEO Jon Feltheimer indicated the film is being moved to the company’s fiscal 2027 slate, pushing its debut to sometime after April 2026. The delay, he says, is due to “twofold” reasons — one being the film’s extensive runtime. The second? A matter covered in behind-the-scenes complexity.
Creative Integrity vs. Legal Boundaries
Reports suggest internal disputes arose over the portrayal — or omission — of the early ’90s molestation allegations involving Jordan Chandler, which Jackson settled in 1994 with no admission of guilt. The Jackson estate, instrumental in shaping the narrative, had firmly opposed the inclusion of that storyline. However, it allegedly appeared in early edits, prompting extensive reshoots and legal negotiations, per Deadline sources.
Despite these challenges, Michael remains one of the most ambitious biopics in development. Starring Jaafar Jackson — Michael’s real-life nephew — in the titular role, the film also features Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, promising powerhouse performances from a deeply connected cast.
A Crown Worth The Wait
Though originally slated for October 3rd, 2025, Lionsgate is clearly prioritizing the integrity and impact of the final product over rushing to meet a release window. As streaming platforms and theatrical releases battle for audience attention, Michael may just redefine what a modern music biopic can be — not just a film, but a global event.
Whether it becomes a one-part epic or a cinematic duology, one thing is for sure — Michael Jackson’s story can’t be rushed and it may be too powerful for just one screen. Stay tuned for the official release strategy in the coming weeks as Lionsgate fine-tunes its next moonwalk into movie history.
