As Michael continues drawing enthusiastic audiences, there has been growing speculation surrounding the possibility of a Michael 2 that would cover the rest of the pop icon’s story. The first film chronicles his rise to fame, but was unable to tell the full story. Given Michael‘s record-breaking box office success for a biopic, many suspected it was only a matter of time before a sequel was announced.
An image from Michael – YouTube, Universal Pictures
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In an interview with Matt Belloni on his On The Town podcast, Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson seemingly confirmed that Michael 2 is happening. “It’s going to happen whether it’s this year or next year,” he said. “I think the likelihood is very high.”
Michael Jackson’s Later Years Present Major Storytelling Challenges
Bringing the rest of Michael Jackson’s story to the screen presents certain challenges. According to reports, the entire third act of Michael had to be reshot when it came to light that, as part of a settlement with one of his accusers, Jackson had agreed that his story could never be used for commercial purposes. The reshoots added to an already high budget and pushed the film’s release back by a year.
There is also the fact that the latter portion of Jackson’s life goes to some dark places. Michael 2 would likely be very different in tone from the first film. It was an issue Belloni brought up directly. “How do you make a second movie and dramatize all that without alienating the audience that came to the first movie?” he asked.
An image from Michael – YouTube, Universal Pictures
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Fogelson suggested that he did not want to speak for the filmmakers. He noted that there is more to that chapter of Jackson’s life than the allegations, including “some of his greatest music.” However, he also confirmed and emphasized that some of the things covered in the original script cannot be included in Michael 2.
Still, Fogelson maintained that they would find ways to provide a deeper understanding of who Michael Jackson was. He added that “over the next couple weeks when we all sit down and talk about their full and complete vision for what this movie will be, I’ll be in a better position to answer the question” of how that material will be addressed.
Audience Response Could Shape Michael 2
Despite overwhelmingly negative critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, Michael has a high audience score on that site and Criticless. Fogelson said that producer Graham King, director Antoine Fuqua, and screenwriter John Logan have been paying close attention to audience response. “We’ll be able to listen to the audience a lot in how we structure a second film if and when we greenlight it,” he said.
While Michael 2 is not officially confirmed for production, serious conversations are taking place. Antoine Fuqua has said that he would like to direct the sequel. However, he is currently working on a Netflix film with Denzel Washington, which could present some scheduling challenges.
Antoine Fuqua on the set of Michael – Lionsgate Movies, YouTube
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Belloni asked about rumors that Graham King might take the director’s chair. Fogelson said that King is also busy with other projects. “We haven’t yet gotten to the moment where we have to solve for anything. I think in a couple weeks there will be more information so that if I were sitting here, I could be more specific.”
The Final Chapter
Ultimately, while Michael 2 has yet to receive an official greenlight, Lionsgate’s confidence and ongoing creative discussions suggest a sequel is no longer a question of if, but when. The bigger challenge now will be whether filmmakers can balance commercial momentum with the complexity of telling the final chapter of Michael Jackson’s story.
Are you looking forward to Michael 2? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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