Michael Jackson Biopic in Flux as Filmmakers Mull Splitting Movie in Two

Producer Graham King is mulling a new reality for the project, but the idea is in early stages and would require sign-off from multiple partners, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

Rumors surrounding the potential two-part split of the Jackson biopic follow concerns raised about production issues. A January report by Puck highlighted the need for major changes to the film’s third act. The original version dramatized an accuser of Jackson, who had reached a prior settlement with the Jackson estate, preventing any depiction of him. The estate, which is backing the movie, apparently overlooked this deal when granting approval. Splitting the film into two parts could provide the filmmakers with time to address this issue.

Sources suggest that King is advocating for this split. However, making such a change would require approval from several stakeholders, including the Jackson estate, Lionsgate (handling domestic distribution), and Universal (handling international distribution). This change could push the film's release from October 3 to a later date for reformatting.

Lionsgate and King have not commented on the situation.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael stars Jaafar Jackson, the late pop star’s nephew, along with Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. Fuqua is directing from a script by John Logan, with King, John Branca, and John McClain producing. The film had already been delayed by six months, shifting from its original April 2025 release to October.

At CinemaCon this year, Lionsgate did not present any footage of the film, nor did Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate’s motion picture group, provide an updated release date.