Michael 2: can the Michael Jackson biopic have a sequel?

While the event film ends quite early in the career of the King of Pop, can we envisage a second part, which would explore the dark side of the star?

The Michael Jackson biopic has not yet been released in theaters in the United States, but already predictions are predicting a jackpot for its opening weekend. We are talking about 70 million dollars in revenue, which would be an absolute record for a musical biopic, ahead of Straight Outta Compton And Bohemian Rhapsody. Under these conditions, Lionsgate Films may well want to extend the Moonwalk…

A possible Michael 2 is already under discussion, although nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Graham King and La Toya Jackson have both spoken about the possibility of continuing the story. In an interview given to ScreenRantthe producer admits that the idea is being explored, but that nothing has been finalized yet.

“I’ve certainly thought about it, that’s for sure. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.” he said, suggesting that discussions are in their early stages. Meanwhile, Jaafar Jackson, who plays Michael Jackson, expressed his interest in reprising the role: “Absolutely! I’m in!”

Toya Jackson is more cautious. In Varietyshe summarizes: “I don’t know if there will be a sequel. It’s up to the producers to decide. I heard there might be one, but we don’t know. So no, I haven’t been contacted yet.”

Of course, there is material. Michael mainly explores the young years of the future star, his beginnings with the Jackson 5 then his solo career in the 1980s, up to his legendary concert at Wembley Stadium in London for the tour Bad in 1988.

Clearly, the film neglects the aftermath: the 1990s, his marriage to Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, his ranch Neverlandhis tour Dangeroushis disastrous second marriage to Debbie Rowe (and their two children), the controversies surrounding his physical appearance and his skin depigmentation disorder, as well as the child abuse cases which marked the last decades of his life… until his tragic death in 2009.

In other words: how to do it Michael 2 without returning to all these gray areas, while the first part strives to show only one side of the star, that of a musical genius adored by all?

It should also be noted that Antoine Fuqua had initially planned to integrate a large part of these elements into his biopic. A first montage of Michaelexceeding 4 hours, addressed in particular the accusations against Michael Jackson. But that was ruled out due to legal agreements related to Jordan Chandler’s trial, stipulating that no mention of his name or family could appear in any film or documentary. The film was therefore largely rewritten. The third act was completely reshot, with an additional 22 days of filming in June 2025 according to Variety (for an additional cost estimated between 10 and 15 million dollars).

In this context, what parts of Michael Jackson’s life could be told in a Michael 2 ? Is a sequel even possible?

If the biopic explodes at the global box office, Lionsgate will certainly not ask the question too much, despite all odds…