Michael Jackson Biopic Undergoes Major Expansion, Release Delayed to 2027
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, is officially undergoing 22 additional days of filming this June, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. This new production phase is not just routine reshoots—it’s part of a much larger development that could reshape the entire structure of the film.
Michael, which stars the late pop icon’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, is being produced with the full cooperation of the Jackson family. Originally envisioned as a single, sweeping biographical feature, the film is now rumored to be expanding into a multi-part project. According to inside sources, the footage being shot in June is meant to flesh out what was initially the first half of the film into a full standalone feature.
Reportedly, the newly envisioned endpoint of the first film will center on a pivotal moment in Jackson’s career: his departure from the Jackson 5 following the release of his landmark solo album, Off the Wall. This decision would set up a natural narrative break, potentially paving the way for a follow-up film covering the subsequent Thriller-era and beyond.
Originally slated for a 2026 release, Michael has now been delayed to 2027. Lionsgate, the studio behind the biopic, is said to be weighing whether to release the story as one extended film or split it into two distinct parts to better capture the complexities of Jackson’s life and career.
During a recent quarterly earnings call, Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson addressed the delay. “When you look at Michael Jackson’s music library and what he accomplished artistically, it raises the question of whether all of that can fit into a single film,” Fogelson said. “That’s something we’re actively discussing, and we’ll have more concrete answers in the coming weeks.”
Fogelson’s comments followed CEO Jon Feltheimer’s remarks that referenced an early, unfinished cut of the film running well over three-and-a-half hours. However, Fogelson clarified that this runtime was not a formal edit, but rather a collection of scenes and footage being considered for the final version.
“Many blockbuster films over the past decade have had lengthy first cuts,” he added. “This is not unusual when working on a story of this magnitude.”
For fans of Michael Jackson, this development may actually come as welcome news. The extra time and creative effort being put into the biopic suggest that filmmakers are striving to do justice to one of the most influential and complex figures in music history. Whether Michael becomes a single epic or a two-part cinematic journey, it’s clear the team is committed to honoring Jackson’s legacy with depth and care.
Stay tuned as more updates are expected to emerge in the weeks ahead.