A sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic Michael is already in development, with Lionsgate indicating that a significant part of the next film may already be complete.
During a quarterly earnings call, Lionsgate motion picture chair Adam Fogelson said preparations for the follow-up are moving forward well. He said there is still a large part of Jackson’s story and music catalog that was not covered in the first film.
The first movie ends with Jackson’s 1988 performance at Wembley Stadium in London during the Bad tour. Fogelson suggested the sequel may not move in a straight timeline, saying the story could move forward and backward.
He also said the studio believes about 25% to 30% of a second film was already shot during the earlier production. That footage could help reduce the cost of the sequel.
The first film became a major box office success after its April release. It also faced production challenges connected to the child sex abuse allegations against Jackson, which remain a sensitive part of his public history.