Antoine Fuqua’s much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is gearing up for an additional 22 days of filming next month, Deadline confirms. The extension has sparked speculation that Lionsgate may split the film into two parts, although no official announcement has been made.
The shifting release schedule adds to the buzz, as Lionsgate is expected to announce a new release date soon. Previously scheduled for October 3 this year, CEO Jon Feltheimer hinted on an earnings call that the film’s timing would support the studio’s fiscal 2027 slate—pointing to a possible 2026 premiere for Part 1.
According to a THR report, the extended shoot includes scenes that may bring the first part to a close with Jaafar Jackson—Michael Jackson’s nephew—portraying the artist’s departure from the Jackson 5 following the release of his breakthrough solo album, Off the Wall.
The cast includes major names such as Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller. Lionsgate has not commented publicly on the added production days, but insiders note that the first cut of Michael runs over three and a half hours.
The extension also allows for a refined final act. Originally, the film included a dramatized sequence involving a Jackson accuser. A settlement blocked that portrayal, but this conflict was reportedly overlooked during approval by the Jackson estate, prompting revisions.
“Splitting epic stories isn’t new for Lionsgate. Think The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (2014/2015), or the Divergent finale—though the latter’s second half never saw release after Allegiant flopped.”
– Industry Analyst, 2025
Whether or not Michael becomes a two-part saga, all eyes remain on how Fuqua and Lionsgate will deliver one of the most complex and anticipated biopics in recent cinema history.
