‘Michael’ Teaser Breaks the Internet with 30M Views in Six Hours as Lionsgate Teases Possible Sequel
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael is already making waves. Just hours after Lionsgate released the film’s first teaser, it racked up over 30 million views in six hours, outperforming John Wick: Chapter 4’s debut teaser by about 50%, according to Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson.
MICHAEL – in theaters April 24, 2026 #MichaelMovie pic.twitter.com/CzmEuwTcFi
— Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) November 6, 2025
The update came during the company’s latest earnings call, where Fogelson shared excitement about the project and hinted at future plans for the film. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King, Michael is set to arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026. The movie will chronicle the life and legacy of the King of Pop, starring Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, in the lead role.
Fogelson confirmed that the film had originally been split into two parts. The decision was partly due to its long runtime and partly because some material involving one of Jackson’s accusers couldn’t be included, following a legal settlement that forbade dramatization. Despite the adjustment, Lionsgate executives say the first film’s director’s cut is “exceptional.”
“Since the last time we worked together on an earnings call, we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the director’s cut of the first film, and it is exceptional,” Fogelson said. “While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, the creative team is working hard to ensure we can deliver more Michael soon after the first release.”
The studio head also praised Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, saying audiences will be amazed once they see the performance on screen. “People have been waiting a long time for this,” Fogelson added. “I think people are stunned with Jaafar’s performance.”
Michael is shaping up to be one of Lionsgate’s biggest upcoming releases, combining Fuqua’s direction with King’s award-winning biopic experience. With strong early buzz and a massive online response, the film could become one of the most talked-about releases of 2026.
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