‘Michael 2’ lands $31m California tax credit as sequel moves forward
Lionsgate film chief revealed that around 25% to 30% of the sequel had already been shot during the first movie
Michael 2, the planned sequel to the blockbuster Michael Jackson biopic, has been awarded $31 million in California tax credits as the project moves closer to production.
The sequel is among the latest productions receiving support through California’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Programme. The state has been increasing incentives for major productions in an effort to bring more film-making activity and jobs back to California.
The first Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, became a major box-office success in 2026. The film follows Jackson’s rise from his time with the Jackson 5 through his emergence as one of the world’s biggest music stars.
The original film ends during Jackson’s 1987 Bad tour with the words “His Story Continues”, setting the stage for a second instalment. Lionsgate has previously confirmed that it is developing the sequel, with the studio hoping to begin filming towards the end of 2026 or in early 2027.
The sequel could explore a later period of Jackson’s career, including material surrounding his Dangerous era and other major events that were not covered in the first film. The original production had initially planned to address allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson, but those elements were removed following a legal dispute involving a settlement agreement with one of his accusers.
Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson previously revealed that around 25% to 30% of a second film had already been shot during production on the first movie, including several major musical sequences. That footage could potentially be incorporated into Michael 2, helping reduce production costs.
The first Michael was made with a production budget of more than $155 million and became one of 2026’s biggest box-office successes. Lionsgate has said it wants the follow-up to be a major, satisfying film for audiences around the world.
The $31 million California tax credit adds further momentum to the sequel as Lionsgate works towards bringing Michael 2 into production. A release date has not yet been confirmed.
