Los Angeles — Fans awaiting Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, may have to wait until 2026 to see it in theaters. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer announced during the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call that the film is “likely” to move beyond the studio’s current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2026.
“We’re excited about the 3½ hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua,” said Feltheimer. He added that a “definitive release strategy and timing” will be revealed in the coming weeks, but indicated that the film’s delay would shift its box office performance into fiscal year 2027.
Originally set for release on October 3, 2025, Michael may also be split into two parts, according to a report from Variety last month. Though heavily promoted during Lionsgate’s 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no new footage was shared at this year’s event.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson — Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew — in his screen debut as the King of Pop. The biopic wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but is now undergoing script revisions by screenwriter John Logan ahead of scheduled reshoots.
With a reported budget of $155 million, Michael features a star-studded cast including Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. Miles Teller plays longtime attorney and advisor John Branca, and Larenz Tate portrays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. Laura Harrier stars as music executive Suzanne de Passe, with Kat Graham taking on the role of Diana Ross.
Additional cast members include:
- Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson
- Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
- Kevin Shinick as TV host Dick Clark
- KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson’s confidant and former security guard Bill Bray
Kendrick Sampson as producer Quincy Jones, who famously collaborated with Jackson on Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.
Michael is produced by Graham King, known for the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. The film aims to explore both the iconic achievements and complex personal history of one of music’s most influential artists.
A new release date is expected to be confirmed soon.
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