Lionsgate has confirmed that a second installment of the Michael Jackson biopic franchise is officially in development following the massive commercial success of the first film, which became one of the highest-grossing movies of 2026.
The upcoming sequel is expected to continue the story of the late King of Pop after the conclusion of the Bad Tour in 1987, which marked the ending point of the first movie. Studio executives believe there are still decades of Michael Jackson’s life and career left to explore on screen, including some of the most commercially successful periods of his music career.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson said the studio was enthusiastic about the progress being made on the second film and described discussions surrounding the project as highly positive.
“We are very excited about the progress we are making regarding the second Michael film,” Fogelson said in comments reported by Variety. “All the conversations we have had with all parties involved continue to go very well.”
The first film chronicled Michael Jackson’s rise to global superstardom, culminating in the Bad Tour, which helped cement his reputation as one of the most influential entertainers in music history. However, studio executives have emphasized that a significant portion of Jackson’s life remains untold.
According to Fogelson, many of the singer’s most recognizable songs and defining career moments were intentionally left out of the first movie, creating a strong foundation for a second installment.
“I can say there is still a tremendous amount of very entertaining Michael Jackson story left to tell, and many of the biggest and most popular parts of his music catalog were not touched in the first film,” he explained.
“There are so many other events that happened, even within the timeline of the first film, that were not explored. We are very confident that we have another very entertaining movie that will once again appeal to audiences globally as all the elements come together.”
Industry observers believe the sequel could focus heavily on Jackson’s transition into the late 1980s and 1990s, a period that included the release of the blockbuster Dangerous album and some of the singer’s most iconic performances.
Albums such as Dangerous, HIStory and Invincible represented major milestones in Jackson’s artistic evolution and global influence. During that era, Jackson continued to dominate music charts worldwide while expanding his reach through elaborate world tours, music videos and humanitarian efforts.
The sequel could also potentially examine the growing scrutiny and controversies that surrounded Jackson later in life, including allegations of child sexual abuse that became one of the most debated aspects of his legacy.
Earlier production plans for the first film reportedly included storylines related to the allegations and their impact on Jackson’s personal and professional life. A substantial portion of the original third act was expected to focus on the scandals that overshadowed the singer’s later years.
However, those plans were ultimately revised after producers discovered legal restrictions connected to a previous settlement involving Jordan Chandler, one of Jackson’s accusers.
The legal agreement reportedly prohibited any depiction or mention of Chandler in future film portrayals involving Jackson. As a result, references to the allegations were removed from the first movie before its release.
Despite that limitation, Fogelson suggested that some previously filmed material that was excluded from the original production may still be reused in the sequel.
“We believe around 25 to 30 percent of the second film has actually already been shot from the previous production process, so naturally that will provide certain financial benefits,” Fogelson said.
“But we will make sure to deliver another major film experience that satisfies audiences around the world.”
The possibility of reusing footage and production assets could help reduce overall production costs for the sequel. The first film reportedly carried a production budget of approximately $155 million, making it one of Lionsgate’s most expensive projects in recent years.
The budget was driven in part by expensive music licensing agreements and elaborate recreations of Michael Jackson’s legendary live performances. Producers invested heavily in concert sequences, costumes and stage design to recreate the singer’s performances with a high level of authenticity.
Despite the substantial investment, the film exceeded expectations at the global box office, earning more than $700 million worldwide. The strong financial performance provided a major boost for Lionsgate and reaffirmed the global commercial appeal of Michael Jackson’s story and music.
The film’s success also reflected continued audience fascination with music biopics, a genre that has experienced significant growth in recent years.
Movies centered on major musicians and bands have become increasingly popular with global audiences, combining nostalgia, celebrity storytelling and iconic soundtracks. Films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis and Rocketman demonstrated that music-centered stories can generate both critical attention and major commercial returns.
Michael Jackson’s enduring influence on pop culture gave Lionsgate confidence that audiences would return for a continuation of the story.
Jackson remains one of the best-selling music artists in history, with an influence that spans generations and continents. Songs such as Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat It, Smooth Criminal and Black or White continue to dominate streaming platforms and remain deeply embedded in global popular culture.
Analysts in the entertainment industry believe the sequel has the potential to become another major box office success if it successfully balances Jackson’s groundbreaking musical achievements with the more controversial aspects of his public life.
One of the key creative questions surrounding the sequel is how filmmakers will structure the narrative timeline. Fogelson hinted that the story may not unfold in a traditional chronological format.
“We may move forward and backward in telling this story,” he said.
That approach could allow filmmakers to explore different periods of Jackson’s life simultaneously, potentially blending career highs with personal struggles and controversies in a more dynamic narrative structure.
The studio has not yet revealed an official production timeline, casting announcements or release date for the sequel. It also remains unclear which directors, producers or actors from the first film will return for the second installment.
However, excitement surrounding the project continues to grow among fans eager to see more of Jackson’s legendary career portrayed on the big screen.
The sequel’s development comes amid continued global interest in Michael Jackson’s legacy, which remains both celebrated and debated years after his death in 2009.
Supporters continue to praise his contributions to music, dance and visual storytelling, while critics argue that any retelling of his life must also acknowledge the controversies that shaped public perception of the singer in later decades.
Lionsgate appears determined to continue navigating that complex legacy while building on the commercial momentum generated by the first movie.
With major musical eras still unexplored and decades of Jackson’s life remaining untold, the second film could potentially delve deeper into the personal, artistic and cultural dimensions that transformed Michael Jackson into one of the most recognizable entertainers in modern history.
