Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer Draws 30 Million Views in 6 Hours, A Sequel Reportedly in the Works
The first teaser for Michael, Lionsgate’s upcoming biopic about music legend Michael Jackson, generated more than 30 million views within its first six hours of release — a figure that marks a 50% increase over the debut numbers for John Wick: Chapter 4, according to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson.
The update was shared during the studio’s earnings call on Thursday, where Fogelson also confirmed the film remains one of Lionsgate’s most anticipated releases. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, who also produced Bohemian Rhapsody, Michael is set to open in theaters on April 24, 2026. During the call, Lionsgate executives were asked whether plans remain in place for a second installment of Michael. The film was initially divided into two parts, as the original cut ran three and a half hours long. Additionally, a portion of the footage reportedly centered on one of Jackson’s accusers, who reached a settlement with the singer’s estate stipulating that their story could not be dramatized — an oversight the estate made when approving the film’s early development.
Responding to questions about a possible sequel, Fogelson said, “Since the last time we worked together on an earnings call, we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the director’s cut of the first film, and it is exceptional.” He added, “While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, I can tell you that the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.” Fogelson concluded by praising the film’s lead, Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, saying, “People have been waiting a long time for this. I think people are stunned with Jaafar’s performance.”
