Lionsgate dropped a preview of the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” on Monday, shedding light on some aspects of one of the most awaited films of 2026 while leaving many questions unanswered. Initially set for an April 2025 release, the film directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson, the late musician’s nephew, traces Michael Jackson’s journey from obscurity to superstardom. Delays pushed the premiere back first by six months, then by a year, reportedly due to reshoots.
There were speculations that the delays were linked to the portrayal of sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. Fuqua had plans to include this segment, but it is said that a legal agreement between Jackson’s estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused the star of misconduct in 1993, forced significant changes to the ending. Chandler received a substantial settlement, and it was suggested that the estate failed to disclose restrictions on depicting him or his family to the producers.
The film’s final cut remains a mystery, with uncertainties about whether the criminal and civil cases against Jackson will be addressed. Despite persistent rumors about splitting the movie into two parts, focusing on different phases of Jackson’s life, no confirmation has been provided yet. The reshoots aimed at dividing the film into two were reportedly influenced by legal issues.
The involvement of Jackson’s family in the production is also unclear. While actor Colman Domingo mentioned support from Michael’s children, Paris and Prince Jackson, Paris later refuted claims of her active involvement and clarified that she had minimal influence on the film. The estate’s influence on the depiction of artists in biopics was highlighted, drawing parallels to similar controversies in other music biopics like “Bob Marley: One Love” and “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.”
The Michael Jackson estate has a history of controlling its portrayal in media, engaging in legal battles to protect the musician’s legacy. The estate’s involvement in various disputes, including threats of legal action against productions like the MJ Live tour and lawsuits against HBO over documentaries, underscores its commitment to safeguarding Jackson’s image.
Despite criticisms and controversies surrounding music biopics, the fame of the subject often drives the success of such films. “Michael” is anticipated to make a significant impact at the box office, with predictions of becoming a breakout hit in 2026 and potentially crossing the billion-dollar mark. The film’s release is highly anticipated, promising to captivate audiences with the story of the iconic King of Pop.