Michael Jackson biopic delayed again until 2027
Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic has been delayed again, pushed from an October 2025 release date to an undisclosed date in 2027.
The first delay saw the project moved from an April 20th 2025 release date to October 3rd, in order to better position the film for potential awards consideration, according to reports. In Michael, the King of Pop’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson will star as the lead.
Now, Lionsgate CEO Jon Felthimer has stated: “In regard to our Michael Jackson biopic, we’re excited about the 3½ hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, and we will be announcing a definitive release strategy and timing in the next few weeks.”
He continued: “I would note that it is likely we will move Michael out of the fiscal year which will impact fiscal ’26 financial results but will bolster an already strong fiscal 27 slate.”
Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson added that they may do a major rehaul to the structure of the project, too. He added: “When you look at the music library, when you look at what Michael Jackson was able to deliver in terms of music and contributions to art, whether or not that can be fit into one movie comfortably or not is a question that we are absolutely asking,” Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson told investors.”
In January, it was revealed that the project allegedly had to reshoot the entire third act, said to depict sexual abuse allegations that the singer’s estate has banned from being dramatised.
Producer Graham King is still hoping that it can repeat the trick of his previous music biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which told the story of Queen and Freddie Mercury, grossed an incredible $903.6 million worldwide and won four Academy Awards.
Other cast members starring alongside Jaafar include Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, who is portraying Jackson’s father Joe, and Miles Teller as his manager John Branca. The Vampire Diaries’ Kat Graham is taking on the iconic role of Diana Ross.
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