Lionsgate Unveils New Decade Release Plan for the upcoming biopic Michael, eyeing 2026 theatrical release Lionsgate (via Variety) has announced a second significant schedule shuffle extension for the highly anticipated Michael, which is now set to hit theaters in 2026.
Originally dated October 3, 2025, the project has been repositioned off the date as the studio continues to rework the calendar strategically. The news came in Lionsgate’s recent earnings call when CEO Jon Feltheimer offered a peek at the studio’s shifting itinerary.
“As for our Michael Jackson biopic, we are currently looking to work with a new producer/helmer team following the over three and a half hours of fantastic material from Emmy winner producer Suzanne de Passe and our filmmaker, Oscar nom Antoine Fuqua,” Feltheimer said. “We will be making an official release strategy and date announcement in the coming weeks.”
The movie won’t be released before March 31, 2026. Feltheimer said, “We may move Michael out of the fiscal year,” hinting that the premiere might slide back to spring or later.
The feature film, titled Michael and taken from one of the musical’s song titles, is set to be a sweeping cinematic celebration of the King of Pop. The film, reportedly costing $155 million, will go deep into Jackson’s tangled legacy, cultural influence, musical gifts, and gritty behind-the-scenes story. It’s being brought to the screen by heavyweight director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Emancipation) and Oscar-nominated producer Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), neither of whom is a stranger to big-scope storytelling.
At the center of all this insanity is Jaafar Jackson, in his acting debut as his famous uncle, a casting choice that’s raised more than a few eyebrows. The film also features a formidable supporting cast that includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long, and Kat Graham as Katherine Jackson and Diana Ross, respectively.
With three and a half hours of footage, it has been rumored the film could be split in two. Lionsgate hasn’t confirmed that rumor, but it doesn’t argue against the Michael scope being anything but epic.
While delays are never enjoyable for fans, this one could serve the movie well in the long run. Given that awards season is prone to favoring spring and summer rollouts, Michael could be positioning itself to capture an even bigger spotlight.
For now, fans must hold on if what we’re hearing from inside the studio is true; the wait will be worth it. Jaafar Jackson’s introduction, combined with Fuqua’s vision and King’s storytelling sensibility, promises to unlock a much-needed new chapter in the story of one of music’s most legendary artists.
0 Comments