Lionsgate head Adam Fogelson announced that filming for a sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic Michael could begin in late 2026. The film is expected to enter theaters in late 2027 or early 2028 after the original earned over $1 billion worldwide and more than 2 billion rubles in Russia.
Film critic Sergei Sychev told National News Service that the sequel is unlikely to show the hidden side of the singer's life. He said the public accepted the first movie after creators removed all scandalous elements, meaning viewers should not expect revelations from the second part.
Biopic Sequel and Estate Control
Sychev called the first film boring and toothless, stating that it failed to answer lingering questions about Jackson and reduced his life to his relationship with his father. He added that pressure from Jackson's heirs and strong audience response would keep the sequel smooth, musical, and well-acted, but free of dirty laundry.
According to Sychev, relatives will not permit an on-screen portrayal of Neverland, the musician's estate searched during investigations into allegations of molesting minors. He said the heirs control the production process and will force the film to remain complimentary, adding that a movie showing the King of Pop's true behind-the-scenes life will not appear anytime soon.
Theatre director Alexey Frandetti previously told NSN Cultural Guide that he considers Jackson an absolute genius and enjoyed watching Michael, a film project linked to director Antoine Fuqua.
