‘Michael’ Biopic Reportedly Faces Budget Woes Due To Digital Noses & a 4-Hour Cut—Lionsgate Eyes Two-Part Release
‘Michael’ is a biographical musical drama about the life of singer, songwriter, and dancer Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, in his film debut, along with other actors like Colman Domingo and Nia Long.
The movie will cover Michael’s life from his childhood with the Jackson 5 to his final weeks before his death in 2009 and is set to be released on October 3, 2025, in the U.S. and internationally.
Originally set for April 18, 2025, the movie has been delayed for six months, and according to insider reports, it’s due to several controversies.
Earlier this week, a report from Puck revealed that Antoine Fuqua’s biopic had to reshoot its entire third act due to legal complications. Additional details have emerged, painting a picture of an extremely chaotic production.
According to ‘The InSneider,’ the film’s production was described as a “total dumpster fire,” with numerous delays and disruptions throughout 2023. Filming didn’t properly begin until January 2024.
Initial reactions suggest that Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, delivers an outstanding performance as the iconic singer, bringing Jackson’s look and persona to life with heavy prosthetics.
However, despite positive early buzz, the project has gone tens of millions over budget—much of it stemming from the digital nose that will be added to Jackson’s face during post-production, reflecting the singer’s evolving appearance through the ’80s and ’90s.
In addition to the budget problems, the Jackson family’s constant presence on set has created tension. Their overprotective behavior reportedly made production difficult, forcing Fuqua to direct remotely from his van to avoid confrontations with the family. Crew members even dubbed him “Vantoine” as a playful nod to his van-bound directing style.
Responding to ‘Sneider’s’ inquiry, Fuqua’s reps defended his preference for directing from his van, claiming it was simply his style.
The film’s latest cut ran close to four hours, and it still felt incomplete. With reshoots planned for March, rumors suggest Lionsgate might opt to split the film into two parts, aiming to recoup the inflated production costs.
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