Michael Jackson Biopic Release Delayed Until 2026
Michael Jackson Biopic At Lionsgate Likely To Be Pushed Deep Into 2026
Lionsgate Delays Michael Jackson Biopic “Michael” as Script Revisions and New Release Strategy Take Shape
Fans eagerly anticipating the highly publicized Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, will have to wait a little longer. During Lionsgate’s Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed that the film will be delayed, with a new release strategy and timing to be announced soon.
Produced by Oscar-winner Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) and directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), Michael promises to be a sweeping portrait of the King of Pop’s complex life and legendary career. However, the film — which wrapped principal photography in May 2024 — is now undergoing script revisions by screenwriter John Logan, ahead of planned reshoots.
Originally slated for release within the current fiscal year, the film is now expected to be pushed beyond April 1, 2026, shifting it into Lionsgate’s fiscal 2027 slate. While this impacts the studio’s short-term financial outlook, Feltheimer emphasized that the delay will help strengthen the long-term performance of the film and its positioning in the awards and box office race.
With a reported budget of $155 million and a runtime of approximately 3½ hours, the biopic may even be split into two parts — a bold move for a music biopic, but one that matches the scale and legacy of its subject.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson — Michael’s real-life nephew — in his screen debut as the pop icon, a casting choice that has generated excitement and intrigue across the industry. The supporting cast is equally impressive, including:
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as John Branca
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross
With such a star-studded ensemble and a production team that has delivered award-winning biopics before, expectations for Michael are sky-high.
While fans will have to wait a bit longer for the film’s release, Lionsgate is clearly betting that this strategic delay will allow Michael to live up to its monumental promise — honoring the life of one of the most influential and controversial figures in music history.
Stay tuned as more details emerge about the updated release date, revised structure, and official marketing rollout for what could be one of the most talked-about films of the decade.
