Lionsgate is in serious talks about a Michael sequel, and the numbers make it easy to see why. Released on April 24, 2026, Michael turned heads with a record-shattering opening weekend and left audiences begging for more. With a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, the people have clearly spoken. Now, the studio is listening, and the next chapter is already taking shape behind the scenes.

While the moonwalk may have ended in 1988 on screen, Lionsgate is already lacing up its shoes for round two.

Michael 2 is happening. Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson has confirmed the studio is actively discussing a sequel, with next steps already being mapped out. The first film intentionally ended in 1988, mid-story, with the credits reading "His story will continue," leaving the door wide open. 

"There is a massive amount of music and life experiences separate and apart from a********** that would fill more than a second movie on its own," Fogelson addressed the sequel directly.

He then added, "We will be able to listen to the audience a lot in how we structure a second film if and when we greenlight it," making it clear that while the conversation is very much alive, an official announcement is yet to come.

The film earned approximately 217 million dollars globally in its opening weekend alone, dethroning Bohemian Rhapsody as the biggest music biopic debut in history. By the end of its first week, that number climbed to roughly 238 million dollars worldwide, with 116 million domestic and 122 million international. Having already cleared its 200 million dollar production budget in seven days, Lionsgate is not just greenlit on enthusiasm. It is greenlit on math.

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While the first film gave Michael Jackson his flowers through the 'Bad' era, the sequel is gearing up to walk straight into his most complicated and musically defining years.

The sequel is expected to cover the 'Dangerous,' 'HIStory,' and 'Invincible' eras, potentially concluding with the preparation for his This Is It London residency and his passing in 2009. There is one legal wall still standing, though. The Jordan Chandler settlement legally bars the film from depicting those specific claims, which means the creative team will have to navigate the most scrutinized decade of his life with one hand tied behind their back. Director Antoine Fuqua is expected to return, with filming potentially beginning in late 2026 or 2027, depending on his schedule.

The ensemble that brought the first film to life set an incredibly high bar, with Jaafar Jackson delivering a performance audiences described as a full channeling rather than an imitation. He has already confirmed his interest in returning. Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as John Branca are both expected back, with the role of Janet Jackson in the 1990s potentially being the most exciting new addition to watch. If the first film was the spark, Michael 2 is shaping up to be the full blaze.

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What are your thoughts on Michael 2 moving forward? Let us know in the comments.