Why It Was Essential Michael Got a Sequel - And What Part II Can’t Leave Out

It’s safe to say that Michael has been a success. The biopic about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has become the fastest film of the year so far to reach $100m at the box office (as per Deadline), and it continues to be a popular pick for moviegoers a couple of weeks after its opening on April 22.

That’s why, although biopics don’t normally have sequels, a follow-up being announced is not only unsurprising but seemingly inevitable. Lionsgate chief Adam Fogelson told The Town With Matt Belloni podcast that Michael Part II is probably going to start shooting later this year or early 2027, which is great news for fans of the film and the musician.

There may be a new director in the hot seat, with Antoine Fuqua booked and busy in the near future, but that’s a bridge to cross further down the line. For now, though, it’s important to consider the key elements that are needed to make this sequel work.

Michael Jackson’s Career Is Too Big For Just One Film

Michael Jackson started making music when he was just six years old. With a career spanning five decades, that was always going to be a lot to try and pack into a two-hour biopic. 

Thankfully, Fuqua and Co. didn’t try to wrestle that unwieldy story into shape, and decided to end the first film in 1984… sort of (more on that in a bit). That leaves us with Michael cutting ties with the Jackson 5, telling his abusive father that he’s not under his control anymore, and truly pushing off into his own solo career once and for all.

With another four studio albums after that point, and a whole host of controversies and dramatic moments in his personal life still to tackle, there is clearly scope for a second film. Fogelson even said, “There is a massive amount of music… and life experiences separate and apart from allegations… that would fill more than a second movie on its own.”

Writers will not have a hard time finding storylines to include in Michael Part II, but there are a couple of issues to resolve from the first film.

Michael Rushes a Crucial Moment That Part II Must Revisit

I said Michael concluded in 1984, but as I also alluded to, that’s not strictly true. 

While the main story ends with the Jackson 5’s farewell tour, there is one more musical performance that wraps up the film. It’s one hell of a scene, too: MJ rocks the crowd at Wembley Stadium in 1988 with a high-energy performance of his hit song, ‘Bad.’

The problem is, it’s a scene that is given no context whatsoever. When we go through the journey of Michael putting together his ‘Thriller’ album, it adds depth and intrigue to a crucial part of his career. It’s like watching Leonardo da Vinci paint the ‘Mona Lisa.’ ‘Bad’ deserves the same treatment.

I totally understand why the decision was made to end the first film with that performance. It’s a tantalising tease of what’s to come – the kind of thing you simply have to include just in case a sequel doesn’t get the green light, and a great way to ensure audiences are desperate for more.

However, if that is all we see of ‘Bad’ it will be a real disappointment. We don’t necessarily need to see that particular song again, but Michael Part II could, and should, start by revisiting the development of that seminal album. Anything less would be a failure to do justice to the musician’s legacy.

Will the Michael Sequel Film Address the Allegations?

Michael’s final message to audiences is: “His story continues.” Clearly, a sequel was always hoped for, maybe even planned, but whoever does make this film – be it Fuqua or another director – will be heading into thorny territory.

The plan for the first movie was to cover the child molestation allegations lodged against Jackson in 1993 by Evan Chandler and his son. There are a number of other similar cases that have emerged over the years, but we still don’t know if any of that will make it into Michael Part II.

As per Variety, reshoots costing $15m were needed after it was discovered that a clause in the settlement with the Chandler family prevents that story being depicted on-screen. The Jackson estate reportedly covered the costs of those reshoots, with scenes of Jackson’s Neverland Ranch being searched by police and the man himself being arrested.

Whether the Jackson family want the darker, more damaging parts of Michael’s past to be covered in the film is up for debate. But to ignore the allegations entirely while dissecting that period of the legendary musician’s life would be strange and, frankly, unethical.

Even Fogelson doesn’t know what will happen in that regard, adding in the podcast interview: “It’s a really complicated question, and I’m not sure that I am the best person or now is the best time.” 

Hopefully someone figures it out soon, or we’ll all be leaving the theatre after Michael Part II scratching our heads and feeling like we’ve been fed little more than popstar propaganda.