Michael Jackson biopic sequel confirmed as Lionsgate teases expanded story beyond 1980s era

The studio revealed that large portions of unused material from the first film may help shape the upcoming sequel

Michael is set to continue its story on screen after Lionsgate confirmed that a sequel is actively in development. The announcement came during a recent earnings call, where studio executives outlined plans to expand the biopic universe following the massive global success of the first film.

The original film concludes during the 1987 “Bad” tour, leaving significant portions of the singer’s life unexplored. According to Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson, this gap provides extensive material for a follow up, including major albums such as Dangerous, later career milestones, and controversial public scrutiny that defined the years that followed.

Fogelson stated that discussions surrounding the sequel have progressed positively with all relevant parties. He also emphasised that the studio is confident in developing what he described as a large scale and satisfying continuation designed for global audiences.

One of the key advantages for the sequel is the availability of previously unused footage. Executives revealed that between 25% and 30% of material filmed for the original production was not included in the final cut. This archived content could be repurposed, helping to reduce production costs while expanding narrative scope.

The first film had a reported production budget exceeding $155m and went on to earn more than $700m worldwide, making it one of the highest grossing releases of 2026. Its financial success has played a significant role in accelerating development plans for a follow up.

However, the production history of the original film was complex. Early versions of the script reportedly included sections addressing the impact of child sexual abuse allegations on Michael Jackson’s public image. Those plans were later removed due to legal restrictions tied to agreements involving the Jackson estate and previous settlements. This has raised questions about how future films will approach sensitive historical material while remaining compliant with legal limitations.

Despite these challenges, Lionsgate executives indicated that the sequel will not necessarily follow a strict chronological structure. Instead, the story may move forwards and backwards across different periods of Jackson’s career, allowing filmmakers to explore both his artistic peak and lesser known chapters of his life.

The studio also highlighted the strength of Jackson’s music catalogue as a key creative driver. Fogelson noted that many of the most recognisable songs and cultural moments associated with the artist have yet to be depicted on screen, leaving considerable room for expansion in a sequel.

Industry analysts have pointed out that the success of the first film reflects ongoing audience interest in large scale music biopics, particularly those that combine performance spectacle with personal storytelling. The sequel is expected to continue that approach while potentially broadening its narrative focus.