Fans of Michael Jackson will need to be patient for a while longer as the release of the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic titled “Michael” has been delayed.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call of Lionsgate, CEO Jon Feltheimer provided an update on this highly anticipated film, which features Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his first film role. Feltheimer expressed enthusiasm about the progress of the movie, highlighting that there are about 3½ hours of impressive footage already produced by Graham King and directed by Antoine Fuqua. He mentioned that a specific release strategy and timing would be announced in the forthcoming weeks. However, he noted that the film is likely to be postponed beyond the current fiscal year, affecting the financial results for fiscal year 2026 but enhancing the lineup for fiscal year 2027.
The fiscal year for Lionsgate ends on March 31, 2026, suggesting that the movie will probably premiere after April 1, 2026. This timing aligns with reports from last month by The Bangin Beats, which suggested that the film might be divided into two parts and its release pushed back from the originally planned date of October 3, 2025.
Despite being a significant highlight at last year’s Lionsgate CinemaCon presentation, no new footage of “Michael” was shown at this year’s event. The film wrapped its main shooting phase in May 2024 and is currently undergoing script revisions by John Logan, in preparation for additional reshoots.
“Michael” boasts a production budget of approximately $155 million and features an ensemble cast. Colman Domingo and Nia Long are cast as Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller will portray John Branca, Jackson’s lawyer and advisor. Larenz Tate is set to play Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier will take on the role of Suzanne de Passe, a trailblazing female music executive. Kat Graham will appear as the iconic Diana Ross.
Additional casting includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Michael’s older sister; Liv Symone as Gladys Knight; Kevin Shinick as television personality Dick Clark; KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, a former security staff member who became a close confidante of Jackson; and Kendrick Sampson as the legendary music producer Quincy Jones. Quincy first met Michael when he was only 12 years old, and they later collaborated on some of Michael’s most successful albums: “Off the Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982), and “Bad” (1987).
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With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Blake dives deep into the world of indie films and underground cinema.