Key Highlights
- Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson promises a “big and satisfying movie” for the “Michael” sequel.
- The first “Michael” film ends with Michael Jackson in 1987, leaving decades of untold stories to explore.
- Lionsgate has shot about 25-30% of a second film from previous production activities, which could reduce costs.
The Michael Jackson Franchise Continues
Adam Fogelson, the head of films at Lionsgate, is breathing new life into the Michael Jackson franchise. Speaking during a quarterly earnings call on Thursday, Fogelson expressed excitement about the progress being made on a sequel to “Michael,” the smash hit biopic that has captivated audiences worldwide.
A Big and Satisfying Movie
Fogelson believes there is still much of Michael Jackson’s story left untold. “There are so many other events that happened, even in the time frame of the original movie that weren’t touched upon,” he said. This includes his successes such as “Dangerous” and controversies like allegations of child sexual abuse, which were not covered in depth.
Cost-Effective Sequel Planning
Fogelson hinted at potential cost savings for a sequel by leveraging footage from the first film’s production. “We think we’ve got 25 to 30% of a second movie already shot,” he said, suggesting that this could be used to lower costs on the new project.
Music Still to Come
While the musical aspect is a key component of any Michael Jackson film, Fogelson assured investors and analysts that “most popular” music still has a role to play. This suggests that fans can anticipate a blend of storytelling and iconic soundtracks in the upcoming sequel.
The First ‘Michael’ Film: A Global Hit
Despite its box office success, the first “Michael” film faced challenges during production. Originally intended to delve into Jackson’s life post-1987, the film was forced to scrap plans exploring his molestation allegations after legal concerns arose. Nevertheless, the movie has grossed over $700 million, making it one of the biggest hits of 2026.
With a production budget exceeding $155 million, “Michael” proved that there is still significant demand for stories surrounding Michael Jackson’s life and career.
As Lionsgate works on the sequel, fans will be eager to see how this rich tapestry of events unfolds.
You might think this is new, but… it’s been a long time coming. Hollywood has a knack for recycling famous figures into box office gold, even when the original storylines face legal hurdles and public scrutiny. The ‘Michael’ sequel promises to be another chapter in this ongoing saga of celebrity storytelling.
