Michael Jackson’s long-awaited biopic Michael is no longer expected to hit theaters this fall—or anytime in 2025.
Lionsgate confirmed that the Antoine Fuqua-directed film will now land in the studio’s fiscal 2027 slate, which begins in April 2026. That’s at least a full year delay from its most recent release date of October 3, 2025. The studio hasn’t announced a new date yet, but plans to roll out a revised release strategy in the coming weeks.
“We’re excited about the 3½ hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer during the company’s latest earnings call. “We will be announcing a definitive release strategy and timing in the next few weeks.”
That “strategy” may include splitting the film into two parts.
Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson confirmed that the studio is actively considering telling Jackson’s story across multiple films, pointing to the sheer volume of music, life, and legacy that might be too much for a single feature.
“When you look at the music library, when you look at what he was able to deliver in terms of contributions to music and to art, whether or not that can be fit into one movie comfortably or not is a question that we are absolutely asking,” said Fogelson.
The delay comes after a turbulent production history. Though Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, the script—written by John Logan—is currently undergoing rewrites ahead of reshoots. A report earlier this year pointed to a previously undisclosed legal agreement between the Jackson estate and the family of Jordan Chandler, one of Jackson’s former accusers, that reportedly prohibited any reference to the Chandlers in dramatizations of Jackson’s life. The estate allegedly failed to inform producers of the agreement until after the film was completed, forcing significant creative and legal changes.
Despite the setbacks, Lionsgate remains bullish on Michael’s impact. With a reported budget of $155 million, the biopic has blockbuster ambition and aims to be a definitive take on the life and legacy of the King of Pop.
Jaafar Jackson, the late icon’s nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, stars in the lead role, making his screen debut. Colman Domingo and Nia Long play Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller stars as longtime attorney and advisor John Branca. Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, with Laura Harrier as music exec Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham as Diana Ross.
The cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as longtime security and confidant Bill Bray.
Lionsgate had previously showcased the film as a key highlight during its 2024 CinemaCon presentation, but Michael was notably absent from this year’s slate preview. While the company finalizes reshoots and adjusts for the legal and narrative shakeups, it remains committed to delivering a theatrical release worthy of Jackson’s cultural imprint.
Meanwhile, Lionsgate has officially separated from its streaming arm, Starz, and is now trading under the ticker symbol LION on the New York Stock Exchange. Starz will launch as a separate entity on June 9.
The delay may sting for those eager to see Jackson’s story on the big screen, but Lionsgate appears determined to take the time needed to get it right. Whether Michael hits theaters as one film or two, the message is clear: this isn’t a story they plan to rush.