The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is gearing up for a substantial 22-day additional photography shoot in June, signaling significant changes to the project’s structure and scope. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) as the King of Pop, the film—backed by Lionsgate and Universal—is evolving from a single feature into a potential two-part saga.
A Biopic in Flux
Originally conceived as one film spanning Jackson’s entire life, Michael is now being reworked due to creative and legal complexities. Sources confirm the June shoot will focus on expanding the first film’s narrative, which will now conclude with Jackson’s departure from the Jackson 5 and the release of his groundbreaking 1979 solo album, Off the Wall. This shift suggests a more detailed exploration of his early career, including his rise to fame and the pressures of child stardom. Notably, the film will feature Bubbles, Jackson’s famous pet chimpanzee, in this earlier timeline.
The decision to split the biopic follows a major legal hurdle involving the portrayal of one of Jackson’s accusers. A past settlement between the accuser and the Jackson Estate reportedly prohibited the individual from being depicted in any dramatization—a clause initially overlooked during the film’s development. This complication forced producers, including Oscar winner Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), to reconsider the project’s third act. By dividing the story, the team gains time to restructure the narrative and address these sensitivities.
Why the Extended Shoot?
With over three-and-a-half hours of footage already filmed, the additional 22 days of production will focus on:
- Filling Narrative Gaps – Expanding the first film’s runtime to feature-length by deepening key moments in Jackson’s early career.
- Resolving Legal Concerns – Avoiding the contested third-act material while preserving the story’s integrity.
- Enhancing Authenticity – Ensuring Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal and the film’s musical sequences meet the estate’s high standards.
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer recently confirmed the film’s release would likely shift to 2026, with a formal announcement expected soon. The biopic was initially slated for April 2025 before being delayed to October 2025; the latest changes suggest a more ambitious rollout strategy.
Cast and Creative Vision
Jaafar Jackson, handpicked by the estate for his uncanny resemblance and performance chops, leads a cast that includes Colman Domingo as family patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as Jackson’s longtime manager, John Branca. Fuqua’s direction promises a visceral, music-driven approach, balancing Jackson’s artistic genius with the tumult of his personal life.
The Elephant in the Room: Addressing Controversy
Jackson’s legacy is inextricably linked to allegations of child sexual abuse, which resurfaced prominently in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. The biopic’s team faces the delicate task of acknowledging these controversies without derailing the narrative. Splitting the film allows Part One to focus on his meteoric rise, while Part Two could grapple with his later years—if greenlit.
What’s Next?
- June Shoot – Key scenes will be filmed to solidify Part One’s structure.
- Script Revisions – Writers are refining Part Two’s storyline, pending estate approval.
- Release Strategy – A 2026 debut would position Michael as a major awards contender while distancing it from ongoing legal debates.
Conclusion
The Michael biopic’s expansion reflects both creative ambition and real-world challenges. By reworking its format, the film aims to honor Jackson’s artistry while navigating the complexities of his legacy. For fans, the extended timeline may prove worthwhile if it delivers a definitive, nuanced portrait of one of music’s most enigmatic icons.