Lionsgate develops sequel to Michael Jackson biopic Michael

Lionsgate Studios is moving forward with a sequel to its blockbuster Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," following the film's significant box office success. Studio executives confirmed the project is in active development, with a substantial amount of footage already filmed from the original production.

During a quarterly earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson stated that conversations with all relevant parties are progressing exceptionally well. He expressed strong confidence in the project, citing a wealth of untapped story and music from Jackson's catalog that was not covered in the first film. The sequel could explore events both before and after the original movie's timeline, which concluded during Jackson's 1987 "Bad" tour.

A unique aspect of the sequel's production is the existence of approximately 25 to 30 minutes of pre-shot footage. This material originates from scenes filmed for the first movie's original third act, which was later scrapped. The removal of that act was due to a legal constraint discovered during production: a clause in a settlement agreement between the Jackson estate and an accuser, Jordan Chandler, barred the depiction or...