Antoine Fuqua’s highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, may be undergoing major changes. According to multiple sources, it is reported that this movie has been delayed to 2026, and it’s also possible that this biopic will split into two films.
A Film Already Surrounded by Challenges
Michael has been a top priority for Lionsgate, with the studio previously calling it their biggest film to date. However, the movie has faced controversy from the start, with critics questioning whether it would fairly address the child abuse allegations surrounding Jackson’s life.
Things got even more complicated in 2024 when the production reportedly had to reshoot the entire third act of the movie. The issue was a legal settlement between Jackson’s estate and the family of Jordan Chandler, whose abuse allegations were a major part of the film’s later scenes, which blocked his story from being included.
Despite the film being fully shot, this legal oversight forced the team to go back and make significant changes. The Jackson estate is said to be covering the cost of the reshoots, which are reportedly extensive.
Original Release Date Pushed—Again
The movie was originally scheduled to release in April 2025, and later rescheduled to October 3, 2025. Now, sources say that Lionsgate is once again reconsidering the timeline, with a 2026 release now on the table.
One option being discussed is splitting the movie into two parts. This would allow the first half of the film to be released sooner, while giving the studio more time to finish the reshoots and rework the third act.
Still No Final Decision
Although no official announcement has been made, Lionsgate and Universal (which is distributing the film internationally) would both need to approve the two-part release plan. Factors such as IMAX screen availability and awards season strategy are also influencing the timeline.
The studio did not comment publicly on the report, but a formal update is expected within the coming weeks.
