Lionsgate has fixed Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” for an April 24 2026 theatrical rollout in North America, with Universal Pictures handling overseas markets, marking the picture’s third date change in eighteen months.
The $155 million production had been pencilled in for October 2025 but slipped after Fuqua delivered a first cut running more than three and a half hours, prompting talks about releasing the project in two parts and triggering additional photography this spring.
Principal filming wrapped in late 2024, yet the creative team—producer Graham King, screenwriter John Logan and co‑executors of the Jackson estate John Branca and John McClain—returned to Los Angeles soundstages to restructure the climax after lawyers flagged archival agreements that restrict depiction of a 1993 settlement.
Jaafar Jackson, the performer’s 28‑year‑old nephew, makes his screen debut as the pop icon, while Colman Domingo plays patriarch Joe Jackson and Nia Long portrays matriarch Katherine; Miles Teller, Larenz Tate and Kat Graham round out a cast meant to span five decades of music history.
Analysts say splitting the feature could echo the “Kill Bill” model and boost premium‑format revenue, though Lionsgate stresses no final decision. They add that a two‑part strategy would help justify costs already elevated by rights clearances for Jackson’s catalogue and IMAX finishing.
The most contentious element remains how the narrative approaches long‑standing abuse allegations. A recent draft described by industry writers frames Jackson as the target of opportunistic lawsuits, a portrayal critics argue softens serious claims, while estate sources counter that the script balances the accusations with trial acquittals and artistic legacy.
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With leaked set photos of Jaafar recreating the 1993 Super Bowl performance circulating on social media and exhibitors eyeing a spring tent‑pole, attention now turns to how many screens—and potentially how many instalments—“Michael” will ultimately command.
