Don’t Expect the Michael Sequel Anytime Soon

LOS ANGELES — The $200 million Michael Jackson biopic Michael, which opened in theaters last weekend to a record-setting $70 million debut, was supposed to be the first chapter in a planned trilogy. But the legal minefield that nearly derailed the film’s production has left executives at Lionsgate—and the Jackson estate—hesitant to greenlight a follow-up, according to multiple industry sources familiar with the project.

The original film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, covers the singer’s rise with the Jackson 5 through his 1988 Bad tour. A sequel would have picked up in the 1990s, chronicling the Dangerous and HIStory eras, the 1993 child molestation allegations, and the 2005 criminal trial that ended in acquittal. But a last-minute legal hurdle forced the estate to scrap a key scene from the first film, and the same contractual restrictions could make a second installment nearly impossible to produce without costly revisions or protracted litigation.

“The legal complications aren’t just a speed bump—they’re a roadblock,” said a studio executive who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Until the estate can untangle the settlement agreements, any sequel is on indefinite hold.”

The $15 Million Clause That Changed Everything

The trouble began in late 2025, when the Jackson estate discovered that an early draft of Michael violated a 2009 settlement agreement with one of the accusers from the 2005 trial. The settlement, reportedly worth $15 million, included a clause prohibiting the depiction of the accuser onscreen without prior written consent. When the estate attempted to secure that consent, the accuser’s legal team refused, citing concerns about potential reputational harm.

The estate was forced to remove the accuser’s character from the film entirely, replacing the courtroom scenes with a more abstract representation of the trial. The reshoots, which took place over six weeks in early 2026, added an estimated $20 million to the film’s budget and delayed its release by nearly a year. The Los Angeles Times first reported the settlement’s impact on the film’s production in April 2026.

“This wasn’t just about one scene,” said entertainment attorney Lisa Callif, who specializes in rights clearance for biopics. “Settlement agreements often include non-disparagement clauses and restrictions on how parties can be portrayed. If the estate couldn’t secure the necessary permissions for the first film, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to for a sequel that dives even deeper into the allegations.”

The Estate’s Control Over Jackson’s Legacy

The Jackson estate, which has earned over $3.5 billion since the singer’s death in 2009, has been meticulous in shaping his posthumous narrative. In 2024, Sony Music acquired half of Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters catalog for $750 million, valuing the entire catalog at $1.5 billion. The estate’s involvement in Michael was extensive, with family members reviewing scripts and approving casting decisions.

Taj Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew and a vocal advocate for the estate, took to X (formerly Twitter) last week to defend the film’s portrayal of his uncle. “Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was,” he wrote. “The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves.”

Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves.

— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) April 25, 2026

But the estate’s control over the narrative is precisely what complicates a sequel. Any film that revisits the allegations would require cooperation from the accusers—or risk violating the same settlement agreements that nearly derailed Michael. With no indication that the accusers are willing to renegotiate, the estate faces an uphill battle.

What a Sequel Would Have Covered

Had Michael been the first installment in a trilogy, the second film would have focused on the most tumultuous period of Jackson’s career. According to early script drafts obtained by TheWrap, the sequel would have included:

• The 1993 allegations of child molestation, which resulted in a $15 million settlement with the accuser’s family.
• The 1995 release of HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, which included the controversial song They Don’t Care About Us and its accompanying music video, filmed in Brazil.
• The 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson, in which the singer was filmed holding hands with a 12-year-old boy, leading to renewed scrutiny.
• The 2005 criminal trial, in which Jackson was acquitted on all counts.
• The final years of his life, including the canceled This Is It residency and his death in 2009.

“That’s a lot of legal landmines,” said a former Lionsgate executive. “The estate would have to secure permissions from multiple accusers, their families, and potentially even the prosecutors involved in the case. It’s not just one settlement—it’s a web of agreements.”

The Financial Stakes

Despite the legal risks, a sequel could be a financial windfall. Michael is projected to gross over $300 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing biopics of all time. The Jackson estate, which retains a significant share of the film’s profits, has every incentive to pursue a follow-up—if the legal hurdles can be overcome.

But the estate’s primary concern isn’t just box office revenue. With Jackson’s music catalog valued at $1.5 billion, the estate is focused on protecting his brand. A misstep in a sequel could reignite controversies that the estate has spent years trying to move past.

“The estate has been remarkably strategic about how they’ve handled Michael’s legacy,” said music industry analyst Jeff Rabhan. “They’re not going to risk a sequel unless they can control every aspect of the narrative. And right now, that’s just not possible.”

What Happens Next?

For now, Lionsgate and the Jackson estate are focused on the success of Michael. The film’s strong opening weekend has given the studio confidence that audiences are still hungry for Jackson’s story—but whether that story can continue remains an open question.

In a statement to World Today Journal, a Lionsgate spokesperson said, “We’re thrilled with the response to Michael and are exploring all options for future projects. Yet, no decisions have been made regarding a sequel.”

The Jackson estate has not commented on the possibility of a follow-up film, but industry insiders say any sequel is unlikely to move forward without significant legal concessions from the accusers—or a complete rewrite of the script to avoid the most contentious periods of Jackson’s life.

For fans hoping to see the rest of Jackson’s story onscreen, the wait could be a long one. As one studio executive put it, “This isn’t just about making a movie. It’s about making a movie that doesn’t get sued.”

Key Takeaways

• The $15 million settlement clause: A 2009 agreement with one of Jackson’s accusers prohibited the depiction of the accuser onscreen without consent, forcing costly reshoots for Michael.
• Estate control: The Jackson estate, which has earned over $3.5 billion since 2009, has final approval over scripts and casting, making a sequel dependent on their legal comfort.
• Financial stakes: With the Jackson catalog valued at $1.5 billion, the estate is cautious about protecting his brand, even if a sequel could be a box office hit.
• Legal hurdles: A sequel would require permissions from multiple accusers, their families, and potentially prosecutors, making it a legal nightmare.
• No timeline: Lionsgate has not announced plans for a sequel, and industry insiders say any follow-up is unlikely without major legal concessions.

FAQ

Why was the first Michael film delayed?

The film was delayed after the Jackson estate discovered that an early draft violated a $15 million settlement agreement with one of the accusers from the 2005 trial. The estate was forced to remove the accuser’s character from the film, leading to six weeks of reshoots and a nearly year-long delay.

What would a sequel have covered?

A sequel would have focused on the 1990s and early 2000s, including the 1993 allegations, the HIStory album, the 2003 Living with Michael Jackson documentary, the 2005 trial, and Jackson’s final years.

Why is a sequel unlikely?

A sequel would require permissions from multiple accusers and their families, as well as potentially prosecutors involved in the 2005 trial. The legal risks, combined with the estate’s desire to protect Jackson’s brand, make a sequel a hard proposition.

How much money has the Jackson estate made since his death?

The Jackson estate has earned over $3.5 billion since the singer’s death in 2009, including a $750 million deal with Sony Music in 2024 for half of his publishing and recorded masters catalog.

What’s next for the Michael franchise?

Lionsgate has not announced any plans for a sequel, and industry insiders say any follow-up is unlikely without significant legal concessions. For now, the studio is focused on the success of the first film.

As the legal and financial complexities of a sequel become clearer, one thing is certain: the story of Michael Jackson’s life is far from over—but whether it will continue onscreen remains an open question. For now, fans will have to content themselves with the first chapter.

What do you perceive? Should the Jackson estate pursue a sequel, or is it better to exit the story where It’s? Share your thoughts in the comments below.