The studio behind the highly anticipated film about Michael Jackson has confirmed that the story is far from over — and that fans should expect “more Michael soon.” This comes just weeks after the first trailer for the biopic Michael dropped, revealing an April 2026 release date and signalling the beginning of a major cinematic project.
A Glimpse at What’s Coming
In early November 2025, Lionsgate revealed the first official trailer for Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) in the title role. The trailer gives us a snapshot of Jackson’s evolution — from his early days in the The Jackson 5 to his record-breaking solo career — and includes several iconic moments, choreography nods and the unmistakable energy of Jackson on stage. The buzz around the teaser was immediate: according to industry sources, it delivered over 30 million views in the first six hours.
Amid this excitement, Lionsgate’s Chair of Motion Picture Group, Adam Fogelson, told analysts that while a sequel hasn’t been formally announced, the creative team is already at work:
“While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.” music-news.com
Why The Push for More?
Several factors suggest why Lionsgate is laying the groundwork for a larger footprint:
- Jackson’s global legacy: With decades of hits, iconic dance moves and cultural influence, Michael Jackson remains one of the most marketable figures in music history. A single film may not fully capture the magnitude of his story.
- Production scale: The film reportedly cost around USD 155 million, with extensive principal photography, reshoots and post-production underway.
- Rumoured two-part release: Due to the breadth of Jackson’s career and the complexity of his personal and professional life, reports indicate the film might be split into two parts — a structure that aligns with Lionsgate’s hint of “more” ahead.
- Strong audience demand: The overwhelming response to the trailer and the ongoing nostalgia for Jackson’s work make a multi-film strategy commercially sensible.
What We Know So Far
Title & Release: The biopic is titled Michael, and Lionsgate has slated a U.S. release for April 24, 2026.
Director & Cast: Antoine Fuqua directs; Jaafar Jackson stars as Michael. Other cast members include Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, and others in pivotal roles.
Trailer & Anticipation: The trailer was officially released on November 6, 2025, and generated massive interest.
Behind-the-Scenes: The production has faced some challenges — including legal concerns around portrayal of certain events and additional photography.
What “More Michael” Could Mean
While Lionsgate hasn’t named a sequel or follow-up, Fogelson’s comments open a few possibilities:
- A direct sequel or Part 2 that continues Jackson’s story beyond the first film, perhaps covering his later years.
- A companion piece, such as a documentary, concert film or deep dive into a specific era (e.g., Thriller, Bad, HIStory).
- Franchise expansion — spin-offs, streaming series or global releases tied to Jackson’s world and music catalog.
Why This Matters for Studio Strategy and Fans
For Lionsgate, this isn’t just another biopic: it’s a marquee release with potential international appeal, cross-platform merchandising, streaming rights and awards season potential. For fans of Michael Jackson, the message is clear: the story is being treated with scale, ambition and the expectation that one film may not be enough.
Final Take
With Michael Jackson’s story captured on the big screen, and with Lionsgate openly signalling there’s “more Michael soon,” the upcoming film and its potential follow-ups represent one of the most significant music-biopic launches in recent years. Whether you’re a fan of Jackson’s moonwalk, his music or his myth, the full cinematic experience is set to begin in April 2026 — and likely extend well beyond.
