Michael Jackson biopic sequel in the works – but studio boss teases it may not continue where first ended
"We can go forwards and backwards in telling this story."
Glen Wilson/Universal Pictures
- Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
Published: Friday, 22 May 2026 at 2:26 pm
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The record-breaking Michael Jackson biopic will be getting a sequel but a studio boss has teased it may not continue where the first film ended.
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Michael, released last month, has been a huge box office success, despite negative reviews from critics.
Following its first weekend of release, the film launched with $97 million in the US and $217 million globally, breaking the box office record for a musical biopic debut – which had previously been held by Bohemian Rhapsody.
The movie, which features Michael's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, charts the life and legacy of the late musician from his early beginnings as a member of the Jackson 5 through to his 1987 Bad tour.
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael.Photo Credit: Glen Wilson
The movie abruptly comes to a close in 1988 as Michael Jackson embarks on his solo tour, leaving two decades of his life and career yet to be brought to life on the silver screen.
However, the movie concludes with the caption "His Story Continues" leaving many fans wondering whether a second film would be made... and it's now been confirmed by Lionsgate’s Motion Picture chair Adam Fogelson.
"We are really excited about the progress we’re making with respect to a second Michael film," Fogelson said on an earnings call (via Variety).
"All the conversations that we’ve been having with all of the appropriate parties continue to go exceptionally well."
The Lionsgate chair also touched upon what fans could expect to see in the new film: "I would say that there is a ton of incredibly entertaining Michael Jackson story, and much of the biggest and most popular parts of his music catalogue that were not touched upon in the first film."
Watch trailer
With the first film's conclusion in 1988, the second instalment could chart the musician's later three albums, including Dangerous, HIStory and Invincible.
There is also room for the new film to dive deeper into Jackson's Bad album, which produced singles like I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana and The Way You Make Me Feel as Fogelson teased: "We can go forwards and backwards in telling this story."
It is also possible the second movie could address the sexual abuse allegations made against Jackson in 1993 and the subsequent 2005 court case – something the first film received criticism in some quarters for not addressing.
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Authors
Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
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