“Reshoots” blow up budget for Michael Jackson biopic

The Lionsgate studio had to increase $50 million for Antoine Fuqua’s film.

It’s one of the most anticipated biopics of 2026…

The original budget of Michael already amounted to 150 million dollars, to this must be added the 50 million reshoots. All in all, the second part of the biopic on the man who was the “King of Pop” would have cost $200 million, reports journalist Matt Belloni. Variety However, for his part, he argues that this additional filming “only” increased the bill by 10 to 15 million but confirms that the film had to be largely reworked.

After a rights dispute involving one of Michael Jackson’s sexual assault accusers, director Antoine Fuqua and his screenwriter John Logan were forced to rethink the film. The conflict making a whole part of the scenes already shot unusable… Finally Michael was divided in two… This is therefore half of the biopic which will be released in theaters in a fortnight in France…

Fortunately for Lionsgateit is John Brancha, the co-executor of Michael Jackson’s will and the president of the Michael Jackson companywho will bear these costs…

According to estimates, Michael is expected to kick off with a domestic launch around $60 million, although a source within Lionsgate speaks rather of 80 million, reports World of Real. The feature film should also experience enormous success at the global box office and could break the record for the biggest box office for a musical biopic so far held by Bohemian Rhapsodywhich grossed over $900 million in 2018. Part 2 of Michael therefore has every chance of seeing the light of day…

In the casting of Michael directed by Antoine Fuqua, we will find Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, in the role of the singer, Colman Domingo in that of his father; Kat Graham as Diana Ross or even Miles Teller who will play the singer’s lawyer.

Synopsis: “Michael paints a cinematic portrait of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists of our time,” Universal teases in its official synopsis. “The film tells the story of Michael Jackson beyond music, from the discovery of an extraordinary talent as the leader of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless quest to become the greatest artist in the world. Highlighting his off-stage life and his most iconic performances from his solo debut, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to experience Michael Jackson like never before.”

Michael will be released on April 22 in French theaters.