The long-awaited Michael biopic about the life of Michael Jackson is finally nearing its debut, but the film’s path to the big screen has been anything but smooth. After years of production delays, legal disputes, and creative overhauls, audiences will get their first glimpse of the Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer this November, months ahead of its scheduled April 24, 2026 release. The first trailer is set to premiere in theaters alongside Wicked: For Good, offering a preview of a project that has already weathered major turbulence behind the scenes.
A Troubled Production Journey
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael has endured one of the most complex productions in recent Hollywood history. Initially planned for an April 2025 release, the film was pushed back to October 2025 due to extensive production delays. It was later postponed again to 2026 following legal complications that forced significant changes to the story.
The central issue stemmed from a rights dispute involving Jordan Chandler, one of Jackson’s former accusers, who had alleged molestation when he was 13. Jackson reached a $20 million settlement with Chandler years ago, but as reported by Puck, an agreement from that settlement prevents filmmakers from dramatizing the Chandlers or their story in any form. This restriction meant that a large portion of already-filmed material became unusable, forcing Fuqua and his team to restructure the entire biopic during post-production.
Splitting the Story in Two
To navigate these legal barriers, the filmmakers decided to split Michael into two separate films. The first installment will focus on Jackson’s rise to fame, chronicling his journey from childhood stardom to becoming the King of Pop by the 1980s. The second planned film would explore the later years of his career, delving into his controversies, personal struggles, and the decline of his public image.
However, the fate of the sequel remains uncertain. Though footage for the second half of Jackson’s story has already been shot—including scenes set at Neverland Ranch—none of it will appear in the upcoming release. According to industry insider Matt Belloni, two full weeks of footage filmed at Neverland ended up scrapped entirely due to legal and creative constraints.
Producer Graham King remains optimistic about continuing Jackson’s story in a potential follow-up if the first movie performs well. The sequel, which would focus on Jackson’s “King of Pop” era, is contingent on audience response and box office performance when Michael premieres. If it resonates with viewers, production on part two may resume. If not, the additional footage will likely remain sealed away, possibly forever.
Cast, Crew, and Studio Stakes
Michael stars Jaafar Jackson—Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew—in the leading role, capturing the physical likeness and musical legacy of his uncle. The film’s ensemble includes Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Kat Graham, Laura Harrier, and Nia Long. Director Fuqua, known for Training Day and Emancipation, teamed up with screenwriter John Logan, best known for Gladiator and The Aviator, to attempt a respectful yet dramatic portrayal of the pop icon’s career.
Lionsgate is handling domestic distribution, while Universal oversees international markets. Despite the setbacks, both studios continue to place major bets on the project. Earlier in production, Fuqua’s original cut reportedly ran close to four hours, which Lionsgate had once considered splitting into two event-style releases to rival major franchises like Wicked. Now, however, the finished film clocks in at roughly half that length—with much of its original back half left on the cutting-room floor.
What Comes Next
The November trailer reveal will serve as the first real test of how audiences feel about Fuqua’s vision. Given Wicked: For Good’s high box office expectations, the trailer’s theatrical debut ensures that millions of moviegoers will be exposed to Michael before its eventual release.
For the Jackson estate—covering all costs tied to the reshoots and discarded material—the risk is enormous. If Michael succeeds at the box office or garners strong early reception, Fuqua and King may finally complete their ambitious two-part saga. But if it falters, the film’s unused footage and the dream of a definitive Michael Jackson biopic could be permanently shelved.
As it stands, Michael is only half the movie its creators set out to make. Whether the full story of the King of Pop ever reaches the big screen now depends entirely on the audience’s verdict next year.
