During a session at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Jim Barge of Lionsgate may have unintentionally hinted that a sequel to the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic is already part of the studio’s long-term plans.
While discussing Lionsgate’s future movie lineup and franchise approach, Barge mentioned the Michael project multiple times, notably referencing “Michael 2” on three separate occasions. These comments implied that the studio is already considering a follow-up film, possibly targeting a release around fiscal 2028.
Though Barge didn’t present this as an official announcement, the repeated references quickly drew attention from industry watchers, especially given the scale of the biopic. There has been ongoing speculation that the project could extend beyond a single film, considering Michael Jackson’s extensive and influential career—from his early days with The Jackson 5 to his record-breaking solo albums like Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory.
Barge’s remarks seem to support the idea that Lionsgate views the Michael biopic as a potential multi-movie franchise. While the studio has not officially announced a sequel, the CFO’s recurring mention of “Michael 2” during a major industry event strongly suggests that Lionsgate envisions the project as more than just a one-off film. Director Antoine Fuqua also confirmed that a second installment is in development during the premiere of the first film.
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