Michael Jackson 4-Hour Biopic May Split Into Two Parts, Lionsgate Confirms
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' may be split into two parts due to its nearly four-hour runtime, according to reports from Lionsgate. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has been pushed from its initial April 2025 release to October 3, 2025, with potential further delays into 2026.
Promotional poster for Michael Jackson biopic
The decision to split the film awaits approval from both Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International. Notably, Lionsgate did not show any footage during CinemaCon 2025, only briefly acknowledging the project and promising future updates.
According to Deadline, the production faces additional challenges due to legal and contractual issues surrounding Jackson's molestation allegations. The inclusion of the Jordan Chandler case, which resulted in a $20 million settlement in 1994, has reportedly led to "fierce internal dispute and extensive reshoots," despite the Jackson Estate's initial objections to its inclusion.
The film features Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, in the lead role, chronicling the King of Pop's journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana, through his legendary solo career. Graham King, producer of 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' leads the production alongside John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Michael Jackson's estate, with a screenplay by John Logan.
Two men wearing black shirts
Wooden gavel on courtroom table