Michael Jackson’s story on the big screen is not finished. Lionsgate has given its clearest update yet on a second Michael film, with Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson revealing that the studio is working toward another movie after the first biopic starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson. The sequel could arrive sooner than many fans expected.
During Lionsgate’s August 6 earnings call, Fogelson said production could begin toward the end of 2026 or in early 2027. The studio is currently targeting a release sometime between late 2027 and the first half of 2028. But buried inside that update was an even more intriguing detail: Lionsgate does not have to start entirely from scratch.
MICHAEL Official Trailer
The first Michael movie followed Jackson from his childhood in the Jackson 5 through his transformation into the biggest pop star in the world, with Jaafar recreating famous performances and moments from his uncle’s career. Lionsgate’s official trailer emphasized both the private man and the enormous stage productions that made Jackson a global phenomenon.
That is where the sequel becomes particularly interesting. Fogelson revealed that some large musical sequences were already filmed during the original production and could now be incorporated into the follow-up. Earlier comments from Lionsgate had also indicated that substantial portions of Jackson’s life and music were left unexplored, meaning the second movie could have far more than leftover scenes to work with.
Lionsgate Film Chief Talks Michael 2 and the Sequel Plans
The new update gives fans something far more concrete than earlier sequel speculation. Lionsgate now has a production window, a possible release period and existing musical footage that may become part of the next chapter. What the studio has not revealed is exactly which previously filmed performances will survive into the sequel or precisely where Jackson’s story will resume.
Michael Jackson’s career stretched far beyond a single film. He turned Thriller into a global phenomenon, transformed music videos into major entertainment events and created performances that influenced generations of artists. Now Lionsgate appears ready to return to that story with material audiences have not yet seen. Watch the videos above and see why the first Michael movie may have only told part of the story.