Michael Sequel Production Starts Now

The studio is gearing up for a major cinematic venture, signaling that the story of Michael Jackson is poised for another chapter on the big screen. Lionsgate is reportedly preparing to begin work on the highly anticipated sequel to Antoine Fuqua’s film, Michael.

This ambitious project promises to delve deeper into the performer’s legendary journey, building upon the foundation set by the original movie which chronicled Jackson’s ascent from the Jackson 5 to global superstar. The groundwork for the sequel is already being laid, with production slated to commence in late 2026 or early 2027, with a target release date set for late 2027 or early 2028.

The original film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $1.021 billion against an initial budget of $155 million. Now, the focus is shifting to extracting even more compelling material from the iconic era.

Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua has already made significant creative choices in shaping this new narrative. During a recent earnings call, Lionsgate’s motion picture chief Adam Fogelson confirmed that numerous previously shot sequences, particularly some of the big musical moments, are expected to be incorporated into the sequel. This suggests an exciting opportunity to expand upon the visual history of Jackson’s career.

The creative team is reportedly looking to mine material from other pivotal hits from the era, including tracks like “Smooth Criminal,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and “Leave Me Alone.” These elements could provide rich source material for the new film.

Furthermore, the potential scope of the sequel suggests a look at other iconic works from that period, possibly drawing inspiration from albums like “Dangerous,” featuring hits such as “Black or White” and “Remember the Time.” This expanded scope adds layers to the story of a global icon.

It is worth noting that Fuqua had already made significant cuts during the initial filming, famously editing out much of the third act. However, sources indicate that some of this existing footage is expected to be repurposed and expanded for the new production. The current focus for Lionsgate is ensuring they deliver the biggest, best sequel possible for the audience.