Michael Jackson Biopic Could Launch a Franchise — If It Hits One Crucial Target

So, after years of delays and drama, that Michael Jackson biopic is finally scheduled to moonwalk its way into theaters in spring 2026. But, as it turns out, the suits behind the movie are already talking about a sequel. Yes, really. There’s a catch, though—and it’s a big one.

Unreleased Footage: The Accidental Sequel Material

Making 'Michael' hasn’t exactly been smooth. Here’s the inside scoop: The first cut of the movie clocked in at over three and a half hours. That’s Avengers: Endgame-length, but with fewer spandex suits and more white gloves. So, big changes had to happen.

The film’s producer, Graham King, had to rework a huge chunk of the story late in production. And here’s why: The Jackson estate’s lawyers flagged a legal agreement that specifically bars any depiction of Jordan Chandler (yeah, that name from Jackson’s most controversial chapter). Result? A bunch of the third act got chopped, and they came up with a brand new ending.

Now, instead of all that cut material going in the trash, Lionsgate and Universal think they could use about 30% of it for another movie. If you’re wondering what’s still on the table, producer Graham King says a follow-up wouldn’t just rehash the early days. Instead, it’d dig into Jackson’s later career—the Dangerous and Invincible albums, the Neverland Ranch era, and, oddly enough, his 'love of animals.' (I’ll let you decide how much you need to see Michael Jackson hanging out with llamas.)

Box Office Hopes: Show Them the Money

Before we get ahead of ourselves, don’t expect anyone to start rolling cameras on a sequel unless 'Michael' becomes a full-on blockbuster. I’m talking about at least $700 million worldwide. That’s the magic number the studio wants before they crack open their Michael Jackson leftovers for another go.

The early box office tracking, though, is looking strong—the film could open over $55 million domestically. If that prediction holds, 'Michael' would actually outpace the opening weekend for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' back in 2018. Whether MJ can dance his way into the same kind of global goldmine is the billion-dollar question.

'A Michael sequel could happen, but only if the first film absolutely crushes it at the box office.'

What To Watch For

• The first film, called 'Michael', is all about MJ’s rise, but the cut footage and any sequel would dive into his bizarre, creative later years.
• Legal drama (and some familiar controversy) forced major changes to the original movie, giving the studio a trove of unused scenes.
• If—and only if—'Michael' crushes that $700 million mark, then you might see even more King of Pop on screen, including his time at Neverland Ranch and maybe even more Bubbles the chimp action than you ever wanted.

So, whether you want to relive every era of the King of Pop or just see how Hollywood wrangles around all the tricky parts of his life, keep an eye on those box office numbers. The fate of more Michael movies is, for better or worse, all about the money.