Michael Jackson Biopic “Likely” to Get Pushed to 2026, Says Lionsgate CEO

Michael Jackson fans who were hoping to moonwalk into theaters this Fall for a glimpse at the King of Pop’s long-awaited, eponymous biopic should brace themselves for yet another delay.

As Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson gears up to make his big-screen debut portraying his legendary uncle in a two-part biographical film, Lionsgate’s CEO Jon Feltheimer took to press to reveal the public may have to wait a little longer to see how well the rising star lived up to the tall task.

“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 & timing in the next few weeks,” he said during a recent earnings call. “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.”

Boasting an all-star cast, ‘Michael’ will star Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson), Nia Long (Katherine Jackson), Larenz Tate (Berry Gordy), Kat Graham (Diana Ross), Kendrick Sampson (Quincy Jones), and more.

Originally slated for release on April 18, 2025, the film was moved to October 3 and – if Feltheimer’s prediction rings true – will now arrive some time after April next year

At writing, Lionsgate has not confirmed a tentative 2026 premiere date for part 1 of the film.