Lionsgate unveiled the trailer for the Michael Jackson biographical film “Michael” on Monday, shedding light on some aspects of one of the most anticipated movies of 2026, while leaving many questions unanswered.
Initially announced in 2022, the film directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson, the late star’s nephew, chronicles the King of Pop’s journey from obscurity to global stardom. Originally set for an April 2025 release, the premiere was delayed first by six months and then by a year reportedly due to reshoots.
Reports suggest that the delays were linked to the need for reshoots because Fuqua had plans to address the sexual abuse allegations against Jackson in the movie. However, it is alleged that these intentions had to be altered significantly due to a legal agreement between Jackson’s estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused the singer of misconduct in 1993.
Chandler received a settlement of approximately $20 million, and according to reports, the estate failed to disclose to the producers the restrictions on depicting Chandler or his family. Nonetheless, there has been no official confirmation from Fuqua, Lionsgate, or Jackson’s estate regarding these claims.
Speculation remains about potential modifications to the movie’s ending and whether the film will delve into the criminal and civil cases involving Jackson. The possibility of a sequel is also uncertain, with rumors circulating about the film being split into two parts focusing on different phases of Jackson’s life.
The involvement of Jackson’s family members in the film’s production is unclear. Actor Colman Domingo, portraying Michael’s father, Joe, mentioned that Michael’s children, Paris and Prince Jackson, supported the film. However, Paris Jackson later refuted this claim on Instagram, stating she had minimal involvement and had provided feedback on early drafts.
Many music biopics face challenges related to family involvement and the portrayal of controversial aspects of artists’ lives. The degree of control exerted by estates over depictions in media is a recurring theme, as seen with the disputes involving Michael Jackson’s estate in response to various productions.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding “Michael” and potential controversies, the film’s association with Michael Jackson’s iconic status may still attract a significant audience. Industry insiders have already identified “Michael” as a potential breakthrough and a contender for crossing the billion-dollar mark at the box office in 2026.