Michael Jackson mania is set to play on for a second act.

The follow-up to one of the biggest music biopics ever made is officially on the clock.

Better yet, Lionsgate has now hinted at when audiences can expect the next chapter of the MJ story. Cameras, it seems, may be rolling far sooner than many assumed.

More details below…

Motion picture chief Adam Fogelson shared the update on the studio’s latest earnings call. There, he revealed that ‘Michael 2’ could begin production as early as late 2026 or the opening months of 2027.

As for when it lands in theaters? The current window runs from the end of 2027 into the first half of 2028, per Variety.

Already Filmed…Somewhat

That speedy turnaround is possible for good reason. Namely, a chunk of the sequel already exists.

Several sequences shot for the first film never made the final cut. Now, they look likely to resurface in part two.

Fogelson said:

“We have a number of sequences, particularly some big musical sequences, that were shot previously, that are almost sure to be incorporated.”

He added that the focus is on delivering the biggest, best sequel possible at the right price.

Feeding The Fandom

The urgency is easy to understand. Antoine Fuqua‘s original grossed in the region of $1 billion worldwide. Indeed, it posted what has been billed as the strongest opening ever recorded by a biopic.

Leading the charge was the King of Pop’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson. His turn charted the star’s climb from the Jackson 5 to global superstardom.

Of course, the ending said it all. The film closed on the 1987 Bad tour with a title card that left little room for doubt: “His Story Continues.”

We’re all sorts of excited for what’s to come. Are you?

Your thoughts?

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