Lugano – Following the strong box office performance of the Micheal Jackson biopic “Michael”, attention has quickly shifted toward a potential sequel, widely referred to as “Michael 2”.
In an interview on “The Town With Matt Belloni” podcast this week, Adam Fogelson, vice chair of Lionsgate, said it is possible a sequel could begin filming as early as this year, depending on how plans develop.
The original film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring the late singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, was released in April and traces Michael Jackson’s early life and rise to global fame.
The film opened to more than $217 million worldwide (MAD 2.17 billion), setting a new record for the biggest opening weekend for a music biopic.
While the first installment centers on Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 era through the late 1980s, a sequel would likely move into later stages of his career, placing greater emphasis on his music and global cultural influence.
This could include a deeper look at his major albums and some of his most iconic songs, alongside defining performances that shaped his legacy.
Fogelson hinted at this expanded scope, noting, “there are giant albums left and we just one song out of, you know, “Bad” as the end of the first movie.”
Milestone moments such as his 1993 Super Bowl halftime show,often credited with transforming the scale and cultural impact of the event, are among the key highlights being considered.
Speaking on the topic, Fogelson described it as “the first Super Bowl halftime show that literally changed the Super Bowl and the NFL.”
He added that he is “not guaranteeing any of these moments are or not in,” suggesting the film’s final direction remains flexible.
At the same time, the next chapter raises questions about how allegations from later in Michael Jackson’s life may be addressed on screen.
Fogelson acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, describing it as “complicated,” and indicating that how, or whether, these aspects are explored remains undecided as the project develops.
Direction and production timeline
Director Fuqua is expected to return, although his availability will influence the production timeline. In an interview with Deadline, he underscored his personal investment in the project, stating, “It would kill me if somebody else did it.”
As development continues, “Michael 2” remains one of the most closely watched potential projects in the biographical film genre.
