Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Postponed to April 2026 Amid Reshoots and Possible Two‑Part Split

By Noe Lewis, Senior Editor

Fans of the King of Pop have yet another reason to adjust their calendars: the anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has been officially delayed until April 2026.

Originally slated for April 2025, the film faced its first delay to October 3, 2025. Now, following a Lionsgate earnings call, CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed it has been pushed to at least April 1, 2026, preserving the studio’s fiscal 2025 and 2026 results and bolstering its 2027 slate.

The delay comes as the film undergoes extensive reshoots—reportedly 22 additional shooting days—and restructuring. With a staggering 3½-hour runtime, studio insiders suggest it may now be split into two separate installments. One early installment is expected to chart Jackson’s ascent to stardom, perhaps ending before the release of Thriller, while the latter may tackle more controversial chapters of his life.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by Oscar-winner John Logan, the star-studded cast includes Jaafar Jackson (as the titular icon), Colman Domingo and Nia Long (as Michael’s parents), Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, Kat Graham, and others.

Sources say the delays are partly due to legal complications—particularly a settlement precluding dramatization of accuser Jordan Chandler—which have required revisions to the script and extensive pickups.

Despite the setbacks, Lionsgate remains confident in the project’s potential. With a hefty production budget of about $155 million and backing from Grammy-winning producers including Graham King, Michael is being positioned as a major theatrical event—and possibly a mini-franchise.

📅 What This Means for Fans & Investors

• Fans: Expect an immersive, multi-film experience chronicling Michael’s rise and legacy—with potential biopic cliffhangers.
• Industry: Lionsgate’s strategy may rejuvenate the music‑biopic genre, following Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis.
• Investors: Pushbacks will shift financial results into the 2027 fiscal year, but the teaser‑quality footage from CinemaCon suggests production remains on track.

With April 2026 penciled in, the exact release structure—one film, two films, or a hybrid—will be revealed in the coming weeks. Until then, anticipation builds for what could be Hollywood’s next generation-defining biopic.