A sequel to Lionsgate’s $1 billion-plus Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is targeting a production start toward the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson shared the update with Deadline, saying the studio is aiming to begin production “towards the end of this year or early next.”
As for when audiences could see the sequel, Fogelson said the current thinking places the film’s release sometime between the end of 2027 and the first half of 2028.
The update provides the first production timeline for Michael 2 following the blockbuster performance of the original Michael Jackson biopic.
Last month, Michael officially became the highest-grossing biopic in box office history, earning $977 million worldwide and surpassing Oppenheimer‘s $975 million global total.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the film has generated $370.2 million domestically and $607.2 million internationally since its April release.
The milestone places Michael on the verge of the $1 billion mark while also becoming Lionsgate’s biggest movie ever, overtaking The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Following the film’s record-breaking success, Lionsgate is reportedly planning at least one sequel.