The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, has hit another delay. It was originally set to be released on April 18, 2025, then moved to October 3, 2025. Now, it’s been pushed even further to April 24, 2026. According to Lionsgate, it’ll be released in IMAX theaters worldwide. Although Lionsgate didn’t give a specific reason this time, previous updates hinted at possible causes. In May, the studio’s film chief, Adam Fogelson, mentioned the movie might be split into two parts since the current footage is about 3.5 hours long. This is one of the main reasons for the delay.
There’s also speculation that the script had to be revised. The Jackson estate reportedly approved scenes that included Jordan Chandler, the boy who accused Jackson of a heinous crime in the 1990s. Although Jackson denied the claims and settled the case out of court, earlier agreements may have prohibited the movie from mentioning Chandler, possibly forcing script changes.
Michael stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, who acts as the pop icon. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It’s produced by Graham King, who’s also worked on movies like The Departed.
The film will explore Michael Jackson’s life and career in detail. The cast also includes Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, Colman Domingo as his father, Nia Long as his mother, Miles Teller as Jackson’s lawyer John Branca, and Laura Harrier as music executive Suzanne de Passe.
