Lionsgate Delays Michael Jackson Biopic Release to 2026

The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King has been delayed from its original October 3, 2025 release to sometime after March 2026, as announced by Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. The delay is partly due to legal constraints surrounding the depiction of sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, which the Jackson family refuses to include in the film, and the need to reshoot the entire third act. Lionsgate is also considering splitting the film into two parts to adequately cover Jackson's vast musical legacy. Despite the postponement, the film boasts three and a half hours of footage and features notable cast members, including Jackson's nephew Jafaar in his first major movie role. Janet Jackson, Michael's sister, is focusing on the success of the Michael biopic before deciding on her own biopic, highlighting the family's commitment to honoring Michael's legacy first. The film’s delay will impact Lionsgate’s fiscal 2026 financials but is expected to strengthen their 2027 slate.