Michael 2 Is Coming Lionsgate Eyes Late 2026 Filming For Michael Jackson Biopic Seque

The studio has confirmed plans for a second film in its Michael Jackson biopic series, with production on _Michael 2_ expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. If the timeline holds, audiences could see the sequel in theaters by late 2027 or in the first half of 2028.

The announcement came during Lionsgate’s latest earnings call, where Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson said the studio is already laying groundwork for the follow-up to one of its biggest hits ever.

The first _Michael_ was a massive commercial success. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson — Michael Jackson’s nephew — the film traced the King of Pop’s journey from Jackson 5 child star to global phenomenon. It ended with Jackson’s record-breaking 1987 _Bad_ Tour, and closed with the words “His Story Continues.”

The film went on to gross $1 billion worldwide, making it the first music biopic to cross that mark. With those numbers, a sequel was always likely. Now Lionsgate has put dates on it.

Fogelson said the studio wants to “deliver the biggest and best sequel possible” because of the expectations set by the first film. Part of that plan involves using material that was already shot but didn’t make it into part one.

“We have a number of sequences, particularly some big musical sequences, that were shot previously, that are almost sure to be incorporated,” Fogelson told investors. Reusing that footage could also help manage the budget while still delivering the scale audiences expect.

Lionsgate has not officially said which years _Michael 2_ will focus on. But the timeline leaves a lot of story to tell.

The first film stopped in 1987. That means the sequel could pick up with the _Dangerous_ era in the early 90s, Jackson’s continued dominance of pop, his groundbreaking tours, and the personal challenges and controversies that defined the later part of his life and career

That will be the tricky part. The first _Michael_ largely avoided direct depictions of the most controversial allegations against Jackson. Reports at the time said the script had to be rewritten after the filmmakers discovered legal restrictions tied to a previous settlement agreement that prevented them from portraying one of Jackson’s accusers.

It’s unclear how _Michael 2_ will handle those years. Studios are often cautious with biopics involving ongoing legal and estate issues. For now, Lionsgate is keeping details under wraps, likely to avoid speculation until a script is locked.

Jaafar Jackson is expected to return as Michael. His performance was central to the first film’s success. Critics and fans noted how closely he captured his uncle’s movement, voice, and stage presence without turning it into imitation.

Since _Michael_, Jaafar has also been cast alongside Will Smith in the upcoming action thriller _Supermax_, signaling that Lionsgate sees him as more than just a one-role actor.

Antoine Fuqua’s involvement in the sequel has not been formally confirmed, but given the first film’s box office and critical reception, it would be a surprise if the studio moved forward without him.

Music biopics have become one of Hollywood’s safest bets in recent years. Audiences want the music, the costumes, and the behind-the-scenes story of icons they grew up with. _Michael_ proved that formula works even at the very top level of fame and scrutiny.

There’s also a cultural reason. Michael Jackson’s influence hasn’t faded. His music still dominates streaming charts, his dance moves are still copied on TikTok, and new generations keep discovering him through documentaries, samples, and viral clips.

A second film gives Lionsgate a chance to explore the parts of Jackson’s story that couldn’t fit into a single movie. The _Dangerous_ and _HIStory_ tours, the music videos that redefined the medium, the humanitarian work, and yes, the very public legal battles and media storm of the 90s and 2000s.

How the studio chooses to portray those later years will determine how the sequel is remembered. Too safe and it feels incomplete. Too direct and it risks legal trouble. The middle ground — focusing on the art while acknowledging the turbulence — is where most successful biopics land.

For now, there’s no script, no director locked, and no official release date. But the timeline is clear: cameras roll late 2026 or early 2027.

That gives Lionsgate about a year to finalize the story, clear the legal hurdles, and decide how much of the previously shot performance footage to use. Fans should also expect a big marketing push when filming starts, similar to the way the first film teased Jaafar’s transformation

Until then, the conversation will be about what’s left to tell. The first film gave us the rise. The second will have to deal with the reign, the pressure, and the legacy.

As Fogelson put it, the goal is to match what audiences got the first time — and then go bigger. With a catalog like Jackson’s, that’s possible. The question is whether _Michael 2_ can balance the spectacle with the complexity of the man behind it.

One thing is certain: “His Story Continues” was not just a line at the end of the credits. It was the plan all along.