Lionsgate Confirms ‘Michael 2’ with Filming Slated for 2027

Following a record-breaking opening weekend, the Michael Jackson biopic Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, is officially set to receive a sequel. Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson confirmed that development on Michael 2 is currently underway, building on the momentum of the original film, which secured the largest opening ever for a musical biopic.

Speaking on The Town, Fogelson noted that the life of the King of Pop offers a vast amount of material for a follow-up. The original film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, chronicled Jackson’s journey from a child star to a global icon. With Jaafar Jackson receiving widespread acclaim for his debut performance, the studio is eager to explore the later chapters of the singer’s career.

“There is a massive amount of music and life experiences, separate from allegations, that could fill more than a second movie,” Fogelson explained. He pointed to major cultural milestones, such as Jackson’s legendary Super Bowl halftime performance, as potential focal points for the upcoming project.

While the sequel is confirmed, the production timeline remains fluid. Director Antoine Fuqua is currently committed to a project with Denzel Washington, which may impact the scheduling for Michael 2. “We haven’t yet gotten to the moment where we have to solve for anything,” Fogelson stated regarding the potential production conflicts.

Addressing the sensitive nature of Jackson’s later years, Fogelson acknowledged the complexity of the subject matter. He noted that while early drafts of the first film included references to various allegations, they were ultimately removed due to legal stipulations tied to the Chandler settlement. Despite these challenges, the studio remains highly optimistic about the franchise’s financial future, with projections suggesting the first film could reach between $700 million and $1 billion in global box office revenue.