Lionsgate has confirmed that a sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' is in development, following the film's record-breaking box office performance. The first movie, released last month, earned $97 million in the US and $217 million globally during its opening weekend, surpassing the debut of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as the highest-grossing musical biopic launch.
Despite negative reviews from critics, the film has been a commercial success. It stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, and covers the singer's life from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his 1987 Bad tour. The movie ends abruptly in 1988 with the caption 'His Story Continues', prompting speculation about a follow-up.
Lionsgate Motion Picture chair Adam Fogelson confirmed the sequel on an earnings call, stating that conversations with relevant parties are progressing well. He hinted that the new film may not pick up exactly where the first left off, saying, 'We can go forwards and backwards in telling this story.' The sequel could explore Jackson's later albums—Dangerous, HIStory, and Invincible—as well as delve deeper into the Bad era.
There is also potential for the sequel to address the sexual abuse allegations made against Jackson in 1993 and the 2005 court case, which the first film was criticised for omitting. Fogelson noted that much of Jackson's most popular music was not covered in the initial instalment, leaving ample material for the next chapter.
