- Primary Subject: Michael biopic sequel
- Key Update: Jaafar Jackson teased that the upcoming Michael sequel will address the 1990s child abuse allegations.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: August 21, 2026
- Quick Answer: The upcoming Michael sequel will tackle the 1990s child abuse allegations directly, offering insight into the late pop icon's narrative and perspective.
Michael star Jaafar Jackson recently teased that the upcoming sequel will explore the child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson.
Following the first film's massive box office success, Lionsgate and the Michael Jackson estate are now developing a sequel to the music icon's biopic and tackling the later years of his career. Some fans are already wondering whether it will explore his legal controversies, especially the child abuse allegations in the early '90s.
Is the Michael Sequel Tackling the Child Abuse Allegations?
In an interview with GQ Middle East, Jaafar Jackson shared some updates on the development of the Michael sequel and the storyline that it will explore.
He hinted that the follow-up will likely tackle the child abuse allegations from the point of view of the late singer. The first film notably ended in 1987, years before the controversy happened.
"I think the second film will give even more insight from his point of view, because at the end of the day, [the allegations] are always from someone else’s," the Michael star said.
"It’s someone else’s story. It’s someone else’s idea of what it is, and it’s mainly driven by an agenda. And that’s really the issue we’ve been having as a family – not having Michael’s voice being heard. I think that’s very, very important, especially in the late years."
While the sequel will tackle the controversies, Jaafar Jackson is hoping that it will still emphasize the artistry and kindness of the late singer
"This first film focuses on Michael from his roots. So you get that idea of who he was before he had all the success and became the icon that people are familiar with, you understand who he was as a human being first, because at the end of the day, that’s who he was in the ’90s until he passed," he said.
"He never changed that purity, that sense of always wanting to find the good in other people. And no matter all the stuff he went through, how he was treated, what things were said about him, he never stopped treating people with kindness.
Jaafar continued, "He never stopped believing in and wanting to look for the good in people… even though he was broken, his heart still stayed the same… I hope that this is felt in the second movie."
So far, the sequel is still in the development process, with production likely to begin next year for a potential 2028 release.
What Is Michael About?
Michael tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.
The cast includes Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. Antoine Fuqua directed the film.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, it became the highest-grossing music biopic of all time, earning more than $1 billion worldwide. It is currently available on streaming.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!