It’s been 15 years since Michael Jackson’s passing, but his name continues to be a lightning rod for controversy. Now, just months before the 16th anniversary of his untimely death, another documentary is set to rehash the same accusations that have surrounded the late icon for decades.
Director Dan Reed, who helmed the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, is back with Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, a follow-up film premiering March 18 on Channel 4 in the UK. Once again, Wade Robson and James Safechuck will take center stage as they continue their legal battle against Jackson’s estate, alleging they were abused by the pop star as children.
The first Leaving Neverland film sparked a media firestorm when it aired, despite Jackson never being convicted of any crime and consistently maintaining his innocence until his death in 2009. The documentary led to renewed scrutiny of Jackson’s legacy, with some calling for his music to be muted, while others fiercely defended him against what they saw as baseless accusations.
Now, with Surviving Michael Jackson, the focus shifts to Robson and Safechuck’s personal and legal struggles since coming forward. According to distributor Sphere Abacus, the film was shot over five years and offers “full access” to their journey, including courtroom hearings.
One notable absence in this sequel? HBO. After a legal battle with Jackson’s estate, the network is steering clear of the project this time around. Courts ruled that HBO breached a 1992 non-disparagement agreement tied to one of Jackson’s concert specials, a decision that likely played a role in their decision to sit this one out.
The timing of this documentary isn’t lost on anyone. It comes just as production is underway on Michael, the Jackson estate-backed biopic starring his nephew, Jaafar Jackson. The film has already faced behind-the-scenes hurdles, with reports surfacing last year that scenes had to be rewritten after filmmakers realized they were in violation of a legal agreement tied to the 1993 Jordan Chandler case, which was settled for $20 million.
Further adding fuel to the fire, a Financial Times report from September 2024 alleged that Jackson’s estate quietly settled with five other accusers following the release of Leaving Neverland. That revelation led to renewed speculation, though no formal charges have been brought against the estate.
If you thought this was the last time Jackson’s name would be dragged back into the spotlight, think again. Surviving Michael Jackson is reportedly just the second installment in what Sphere Abacus is calling the Leaving Neverland trilogy. The final film, expected after Robson and Safechuck’s trial in 2026, will focus on whether Jackson’s estate should be held liable for their allegations.
At this point, it seems there’s no resting in peace for Michael Jackson. Despite the courts ruling in his favor during his lifetime, and despite years of legal battles waged in his absence, his name continues to be a battleground. Whether this latest documentary will bring any new revelations or simply retread the same ground remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: they aren’t letting this man’s legacy rest anytime soon.