Lionsgate unveiled a preview of the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” on Monday, shedding light on some aspects of one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026, while leaving several unanswered questions. Initially announced in 2022, the film directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson, the late pop icon’s nephew, chronicles Michael Jackson’s journey from obscurity to global stardom. Originally slated for an April 2025 release, the premiere was pushed back first by six months and then by a year reportedly due to reshoots.
Reports suggest that the delays were linked to reshoots as Fuqua had planned to address the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson in the film. Allegedly, a legal agreement between Jackson’s estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of misconduct in 1993, forced significant changes to the movie’s ending. Chandler had received a substantial settlement, and it was claimed that the estate failed to inform producers about the restrictions on depicting Chandler or his family. However, these claims have not been confirmed by Fuqua, Lionsgate, or Jackson’s estate.
Speculation remains regarding the accuracy of rumors about modifications to the movie’s conclusion and whether the film will touch on the legal battles faced by Jackson. Jackson and his estate consistently denied the allegations against him, and he was acquitted of all charges in a 2005 trial. There is also uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a sequel to the biopic, with reports suggesting a split into two parts focusing on different aspects of Jackson’s life.
The involvement of Jackson’s family in the film’s production remains unclear. Actor Colman Domingo, portraying Michael’s father, Joe, mentioned that Michael’s children, Paris and Prince Jackson, were supportive of the project. However, Paris Jackson later refuted this claim on Instagram, stating her lack of involvement in the movie set and sharing her perspective on the production process.
It is common for music biopics to face challenges related to estate involvement and the portrayal of controversial aspects of artists’ lives. The control exerted by estates over depictions of musicians, such as seen in the cases of Bob Marley and Michael Jackson, often leads to criticism and legal disputes. Despite potential controversies, the popularity of the subject often drives the success of music biopics, and “Michael” is expected to attract attention based on Jackson’s iconic status.
The film industry has seen mixed reactions to music biopics, with varying degrees of success and critical reception. While some films have faced backlash for their portrayal of artists, others have achieved box office success despite criticisms. The genre continues to evolve with innovative approaches to storytelling, and “Michael” is poised as a potential breakout in 2026, with expectations of crossing the billion-dollar mark at the box office according to industry projections.
