Lionsgate unveiled a preview of the Michael Jackson biographical film “Michael” on Monday, shedding light on some aspects of one of the most eagerly awaited movies of 2026 while leaving many questions unanswered.
Initially announced in 2022, the film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late pop icon, chronicles Michael Jackson’s journey from obscurity to superstardom. Originally set for an April 2025 premiere, the release date was first pushed back by six months and then by a year, reportedly due to reshoots. Fuqua had planned to include a segment addressing the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson but had to revise the ending due to a legal agreement between Jackson’s estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993.
Chandler received a settlement of around $20 million, and it was allegedly undisclosed to the film’s producers that they were not permitted to depict Chandler or his family. The veracity of the rumors surrounding changes to the film’s conclusion and whether it will cover the legal cases against Jackson remains unknown.
Moreover, speculations have emerged about the potential split of the movie into two parts, with the first focusing on Jackson’s rise to fame and the second on the pinnacle of his career and subsequent tarnished public image. While Lionsgate has not confirmed plans for a second film, the studio is reportedly preparing to deliver additional content soon after the initial release.
The level of involvement of Jackson’s family members in the film’s production remains uncertain. Actor Colman Domingo, portraying Michael’s father Joe, mentioned that Paris and Prince Jackson were supportive of the project. However, Paris Jackson later refuted claims of being involved in the production and stated that she had only provided feedback on an early draft.
Similar to other music biopics, the estate of Michael Jackson has sought to control the portrayal of the legendary artist in media. The estate has been involved in legal disputes over trademark infringement and the airing of documentaries that depicted Jackson in a negative light.
Despite potential challenges faced during production, the film “Michael” is anticipated to be a breakout success in 2026, with projections hinting at the possibility of crossing the billion-dollar mark at the box office. The fame associated with Michael Jackson is expected to attract a substantial audience to the film, regardless of behind-the-scenes controversies.