The Michael Jackson biopic release will likely get pushed beyond April 2026. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed the delay during the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call. He said the studio will reveal a new release strategy for Michael in the coming weeks.
Lionsgate’s fiscal year ends on March 31, 2026. So, any change to the schedule suggests the movie won’t arrive before April 1. Feltheimer acknowledged the delay would affect fiscal 2026 financials but noted it will boost an already strong fiscal 2027 lineup.
“We’re excited about the 3½ hours of amazing footage from director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King,” Feltheimer said. “We’ll confirm the final release plan soon.”
Reports from Variety last month indicated that Lionsgate may split Michael into two parts. Insiders also hinted at a delay from the initial October 3, 2025 release date. At this year’s CinemaCon, Lionsgate didn’t include any new footage from the project, adding to speculation about rescheduling.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, stars in the lead role and makes his screen debut. The production team wrapped filming in May 2024, but screenwriter John Logan continues to revise the script ahead of reshoots.
Despite the delay, the Michael Jackson biopic release remains a high-profile event. With a reported $155 million budget, the film features an ensemble cast:
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as John Branca
- Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
- Kat Graham as Diana Ross
Additional cast members include:
- Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson
- Liv Symone as Gladys Knight
- Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark
- KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray
- Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones played a pivotal role in Michael Jackson’s success. He produced the singer’s iconic albums Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). The biopic will explore that legendary partnership in detail.
While fans await an official date, industry watchers expect the film to follow in the footsteps of Bohemian Rhapsody, also produced by Graham King. With its ambitious scope and star-studded cast, Michael is poised to become one of the most talked-about releases of the decade.
