Lionsgate’s ‘Michael’ moves to April 2026, with second part in development

Lionsgate has confirmed a new release date for Michael, with the Michael Jackson biopic now set for launch in cinemas and IMAX locations worldwide on April 24, 2026. 

Lionsgate will distribute in the US and Canada, Kino Films in Japan and Universal in the rest of the world. 

The film, produced by Graham King, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring the pop superstar’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, had originally been slated to open in April this year, but was then moved to October. 

Lionsgate executives confirmed in May that a move to spring 2026 was likely, and that releasing the project as two films rather than one was under discussion. Sources contacted this week said a second film is in development. 

A second film apparently became a possibility after Fuqua delivered three-and-a-half hours of what Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer described as “amazing footage.” 

However it is also understood that complications have arisen over the portrayal of a person who accused the late Jackson of molestation years ago. The superstar performer settled, with no admission of guilt, but a report earlier this year said there was a prior agreement with the Jackson estate that the accuser would never be dramatised.

The new release date was first reported by Deadline. 

• Lionsgate marketing heads depart in theatrical campaign “reapproach”