“Michael” Biopic Undergoes Major Changes — Legal Agreement Forces New Ending and Possible Sequel -

The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has reportedly undergone significant changes during reshoots, reshaping both its tone and narrative direction. According to ComingSoon.net and Puck News, the film’s creative team made major edits following a legal agreement involving the pop legend’s estate and one of his accusers — an agreement that prevents filmmakers from dramatizing the events surrounding Jackson’s 1990s sexual abuse allegations.

As a result, Michael will now end after Jackson’s meteoric rise in the 1980s, leaving his later controversies for a possible sequel.

Third Act Rewritten After Legal Restrictions

Initially, the third act of Michael was set to explore the child abuse allegations that surfaced in the early 1990s. However, production documents confirm that a legal agreement between Jackson’s estate and his accuser required that the accuser’s likeness and story not be portrayed on screen.

This forced the filmmakers to abandon large portions of previously shot material, including two weeks of production at Neverland Ranch — scenes that are now considered unusable.

Entertainment journalist Matthew Belloni of Puck revealed that the revised version of Michael “now concludes after the titular character’s triumphant rise to fame in the ’80s,” effectively sidestepping the most controversial period of Jackson’s life.

Four-Hour Cut Reduced; Sequel Plans in Question

Before the reshoots, Michael reportedly ran nearly four hours long, leading Lionsgate to consider splitting it into two separate films. The plan was for the first film to chronicle Jackson’s rise to superstardom, with a follow-up focusing on his later years, scandals, and legal troubles.

However, the extensive reshoots — combined with uncertainty over audience reception and financial costs — have put the sequel’s fate in jeopardy.

Producer Graham King reportedly still hopes to complete a second installment using existing footage and additional new scenes with stars Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, and Miles Teller. But, as Belloni noted, “that will now depend on how the film is received by audiences next April. If it’s a hit, they greenlight part two — if not, producers eat all that unused footage.”

Cast, Crew & Creative Direction

Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer Trilogy) and written by John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator).
Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew and son of Jermaine Jackson, stars as the King of Pop.

The supporting cast includes:

Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
Miles Teller
Nia Long
Laura Harrier
Kat Graham
Larenz Tate
Derek Luke

Filming began with the cooperation of the Jackson family, many of whom supported the project following Michael’s 2009 death. Lionsgate will distribute Michael in the U.S., with Universal Pictures handling international markets.

Paris Jackson Responds to Cast Comments

In August, Colman Domingo, who plays Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson, said in an interview that he had received “a blessing” from Paris Jackson regarding the biopic.
“They’re very much in support of our film,” Domingo told Radar Online, referring to both Paris and her brother Prince.

Paris later clarified on Instagram, writing:

“Don’t be telling people I was ‘helpful’ on the set of a movie I had 0% involvement in.”

Her statement suggests that while the family estate cooperated, not all members of the Jackson family are equally aligned with the film’s production.

Release Date & Trailer Details

After multiple production delays, Michael is now scheduled for theatrical release on April 24, 2026.
The first official trailer will debut in November 2025, premiering in theaters before showings of Wicked: For Good on November 21.

The trailer’s release marks the home stretch of the film’s long journey to the big screen — originally slated for 2025, then pushed due to legal complications and the extensive rewrite.

Conclusion

Despite the behind-the-scenes turbulence, anticipation remains high for Michael, which promises an in-depth look at the music legend’s early triumphs. Whether audiences will eventually see the more controversial chapters of Jackson’s story depends on how the film performs next year.

For now, fans can expect a celebration of Michael Jackson’s artistry, fame, and family roots, while the more complex aspects of his legacy wait — perhaps — for a sequel.