Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson Biopic Pushed To 2026

Fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the Michael Jackson biopic. The project has been pushed to 2026.

Variety is reporting that the forthcoming project detailing Michael Jackson’s life will not be released until next year. According to the report, Michael will most likely be split into two parts thus the need to reschedule the premiere date (originally Oct. 3). To no surprise, this project has been in the making for time. In 2019, Deadline reported that producer Graham King of Bohemian Rhapsody fame had secured the rights from the estate to Michael Jackson’s life story and access to his music catalog. John Logan (Gladiator) was tapped to write the screenplay.

Fast forward to 2022, Lionsgate was announced as the studio to distribute the film. The following year, Antoine Fuqua was appointed as director and principal casting followed shortly after. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, is set to make his debut playing the iconic performer. The project will also feature several accomplished actors including Nia Long (Katherine Jackson), Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson) and Larenz Tate (Motown Records founder). Filming commenced in January 2024 and wrapped up that June.

In an interview with Variety Colman Domingo detailed his approach about playing Michael’s father, Joseph. “I had to go on the inside and find out everything that I love about Joe Jackson: what his tools were for survival in the world, the tools that he gave to his children, whether it was the way he reared his children or being from where he was, I want to examine all of that.”

Lionsgate has yet to confirm report from Deadline.