If you were hoping to see Michael, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, this fall, go ahead and moonwalk those expectations back a bit.
Lionsgate confirmed this week that the film is likely getting pushed into 2026, missing its originally planned October 2025 release. And while we don’t have an official new date just yet, the studio hinted that it’s reevaluating its release strategy, which means we could be waiting until well into fiscal 2027 (translation: sometime between April 2026 and March 2027).
On a quarterly earnings call, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer gave a glimpse into what’s going on behind the scenes.
“We’re excited about the 3½ hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua,” Feltheimer said, referring to the film simply as Michael. “We’ll be announcing a definitive release strategy and timing in the next few weeks.”
But here’s the key line:
“It is likely we will move Michael out of the fiscal year… but it will bolster an already strong fiscal 2027 slate.”
So yeah—it’s not coming in 2025.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Emancipation) and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the biopic has already generated a ton of buzz. Telling the story of one of music’s most iconic (and controversial) figures is no small feat, but this team seems committed to getting it right, even if that means taking more time.
In the lead role? Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of Michael himself. Early looks at Jaafar’s portrayal have fans intrigued, he’s got the look, the voice, and the moves.
The film also stars Colman Domingo as family patriarch Joe Jackson and Nia Long as matriarch Katherine Jackson.
Adding to the mystery around the delay is the film’s reported runtime of 3.5 hours. According to buzz from CinemaCon, Lionsgate has been toying with the idea of splitting the movie into two parts, though nothing has been confirmed.
Given Jackson’s larger-than-life career and the complexities surrounding his personal life, a two-parter wouldn’t be all that surprising.
Still, the studio didn’t share any footage or sneak peeks at CinemaCon, and fans have been left wondering whether the massive scope of the project is part of the reason it’s getting pushed.
