Michael Teaser Goes Viral, Potential Part 2 Gets Update From Studio Executive

Adam Fogelson addressed one of Michael’s most discussed topics following the teaser’s viral success. The Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair provided an update on the potential second part of the Michael Jackson biopic. The first trailer had surpassed 30 million views within hours of its release.

Adam Fogelson discusses potential Michael sequel

The first teaser for Michael, Lionsgate’s biopic on Michael Jackson, surpassed 30 million views within its first six hours online — a figure 50% higher than John Wick: Chapter 4 achieved in the same timeframe. Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson confirmed the milestone during the company’s quarterly earnings call. Antoine Fuqua directs the film, and Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King produces it. The studio plans to release Michael in theaters on Apr. 24, 2026.

Fogelson addressed ongoing speculation about plans to release Michael in two parts. He said, “Since the last time we worked together on an earnings call, we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the director’s cut of the first film, and it is exceptional.” He added that while no sequel has been confirmed, “the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film” (via Deadline).

Lionsgate initially developed the film as a single 3½-hour feature but later considered splitting it after discovering that part of the footage depicted one of Jackson’s accusers (via The Hollywood Reporter). The Jackson estate violated its settlement with the accuser by allowing his portrayal, despite the agreement guaranteeing he would never be dramatized. Reports state the estate overlooked this clause when approving the project.

Producer Graham King first mentioned the two-part structure in early 2025. He said it would help expand Jackson’s story and address the estate issue. Filming wrapped in May 2024 with Jaafar Jackson portraying his uncle. The cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.

“People have been waiting a long time for this,” Fogelson said of the project. “I think people are stunned with Jaafar’s performance.”

Source: Comingsoon.net