Washington DC [US], May 23: The much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring the King of Pop’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, is now expected to be delayed until 2026, according to a report from Variety.
The update came during Lionsgate’s Q4 2025 earnings call, where CEO Jon Feltheimer stated that while the studio is enthusiastic about the project—boasting “3 1/2 hours of amazing footage”—a new release strategy and timeline will be announced in the coming weeks.
“It is likely we will move ‘Michael’ out of the fiscal year [2026], which will impact fiscal ’26 financial results but will bolster an already strong fiscal ’27 slate,” Feltheimer explained.
Given that Lionsgate’s fiscal year ends on March 31, 2026, this suggests the biopic will likely release after April 1, 2026.
Last month, Variety reported that the film could be split into two parts, hinting at the scope and scale of the biopic. Initially scheduled for October 3, 2025, the delay allows for script revisions by John Logan and potential reshoots after principal photography wrapped in May 2024.
Star-Studded Cast & Production Team:
The film, produced by Graham King (of Bohemian Rhapsody fame), will portray the life and legacy of one of pop music’s most influential figures. The cast includes:
- Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s attorney
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross
- Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson
- Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
- Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
- KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray
- Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark
The film covers Jackson’s rise to stardom and musical genius, including his collaboration with Quincy Jones on iconic albums like Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987).
No Footage at CinemaCon 2025:
Despite its significance in Lionsgate’s lineup, ‘Michael’ was noticeably absent from this year’s CinemaCon footage presentations, suggesting the studio is taking a meticulous approach to the film’s release and marketing.