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The Michael-Jackson-Biopic, originally planned for April 2025, will now be released a year later in April 2026. The reason for the shift was a potentially legally contestable third act.
Reason for Nachrehs: Heikler third act
The film “Michael” staged by Antoine Fuqua, in which the nephew of the deceased singer, Jaafar Jackson, embodied the “King of Pop”, was originally shot in May 2024. However, the planned theatrical release on April 18, 2025 was initially postponed to October 2025. After it became known that 22 days of shooting were required for subsequent shooting.
As reported, the subsequent shoots were necessary because of the third act, which in some way discussed the allegations of abuse against Jackson. In particular, “Michael” violated a legal agreement between representatives of Jackson and the then 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. The accused Jackson of sexual abuse in 1993 and later received an agreement of over $ 20 million. Part of this agreement was that Chandler’s history and personality must not be portrayed in any film about Jackson.
While the producers – including the Jackson estate – converted the film with a revised script and new scenes, Lionsgate came with a new unveiling in May. Namely, due to the amount of the filmed material, the biopic may be divided into two parts. While the second part is still in the works, “Michael” is now published on April 24, 2026.
Jackson’s first part deals with early career
According to the “Hollywood Reporter”, “Michael” now focuses on the first half of Jackson’s life and career. Including his time with his brothers in Jackson 5 and his decision to leave the group after the publication of “Off The Wall” in 1979.
If the second film is completed and published, he would address the further course of Jackson’s career. Including “thriller” and “bathroom”. However, with a third act that deliberately excludes the allegations of abuse.
In addition to Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo also plays as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and Miles Teller as Jackson’s lawyer and consultant John Branca. Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as music manager Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.