Lionsgate unveiled a preview of the Michael Jackson biographical film “Michael” on Monday, shedding light on some aspects of one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2026. However, many questions remain unanswered.
Initially announced in 2022, the film directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson, the late superstar’s nephew, chronicles Michael Jackson’s evolution from obscurity to global fame. Originally set for an April 2025 debut, the release was pushed back twice due to reshoots.
Reports suggest that the delays were linked to the depiction of the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. Allegedly, the film had to be restructured significantly to comply with a legal agreement between the musician’s estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of misconduct in 1993, resulting in a substantial settlement.
Details surrounding potential modifications to the movie’s conclusion and whether it will address Jackson’s legal battles remain uncertain. Despite facing allegations in 2005, Jackson was acquitted of all charges related to sexual abuse.
Speculation persists about the film potentially being split into two parts, with the first focusing on Jackson’s rise to stardom and the second on his immense success and tarnished reputation. While the reshoots for “Michael” primarily aimed to reformat the film into two parts, there is no official confirmation regarding a sequel.
The involvement of Jackson’s family members in the production remains ambiguous. Actor Colman Domingo, who portrays Michael’s father, Joe, mentioned positive interactions with Michael’s children, Paris and Prince Jackson. However, Paris later contradicted this statement on social media, asserting her lack of involvement in the film’s production.
Music biopics often face challenges in accurately portraying artists’ lives, as seen in previous films about musicians like Bob Marley and Bruce Springsteen. Estates controlling the narrative and glossing over controversial aspects are common occurrences in the genre.
Michael Jackson’s estate has a history of influencing portrayals of the late singer in media and engaging in legal disputes to protect his legacy. Despite the critical reception, success in the music biopic genre can be heavily influenced by the subject’s fame.
With high expectations for “Michael” in 2026, industry projections suggest the film could be a breakout success at the box office, potentially crossing the billion-dollar mark.
