The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster Michael Jackson biopic is officially moving forward. During a recent earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson shared a fresh update on when fans can expect Michael 2 to hit theaters. While the studio has not given a firm green light just yet, it is already planning the production schedule and eyeing a release window for the next chapter of the pop star’s story.
Cameras will roll on the biopic sequel by early next year
Adam Fogelson revealed that Lionsgate is hoping to begin filming the sequel toward the end of 2026 or in the first few months of 2027. The first movie was a massive global hit, and the studio wants to follow up on that success. Jaafar Jackson is expected to return to the lead role to continue the story right where the first film left off.
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To help speed up the process, the production team plans to reuse some footage that was already shot during the making of the original movie. Fogelson noted that the director filmed a number of big musical sequences that did not make the final cut of the first picture. These leftover scenes are almost guaranteed to appear in the new project, which should help keep costs down while still delivering a grand visual experience.
Lionsgate plans to release the new movie by early 2028
As for when audiences will actually get to see the film, the current goal is to launch it by the end of 2027 or during the first half of 2028. Fogelson stressed that Lionsgate is focused on creating the biggest and best sequel possible at the right price. The studio knows expectations are incredibly high after the first movie crossed the billion dollar mark at the box office.
The first film ended with the singer wrapping up his 1987 tour, leaving the rest of his complicated life open for exploration. While the creative team is keeping the plot under wraps, the upcoming sequel will likely cover his later album eras and the controversies that shadowed his final years. Until a solid release date is locked in, the studio is taking its time to make sure the final product lives up to the hype.
With production gearing up soon, Lionsgate seems determined to craft a fitting conclusion to a highly profitable story. Fans will just have to wait a little longer to see how the next chapter unfolds on the big screen.
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