Looks like the wait for the much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, just got longer—and fans aren’t happy! The film, initially set for an October release, has reportedly hit a massive roadblock that could delay its premiere indefinitely. The reason? A decades-old legal agreement related to one of Jackson’s past accusers has thrown a wrench into the production, forcing costly re-shoots and script changes that could make or break the film’s future.
According to The Independent, the movie touches on the controversial case of Jordan Chandler, who, at 13 years old, accused the King of Pop of “sexual offensive contacts.” Although Jackson never faced criminal charges and settled the case for a reported $23 million, his estate now faces a serious dilemma: the singer’s legal team had reportedly signed an agreement during his lifetime stating that the events surrounding the case could not be dramatized.
Lights, Camera… Re-Shoot? The Biopic’s Major Dilemma
If reports are to be believed, the filmmakers may have to re-write the script entirely and re-shoot key scenes, including one particularly contentious moment. According to entertainment insider Matthew Belloni of Puck News, one scene features Jackson’s legal team discussing whether to settle the Chandler case, even playing an infamous court-submitted recording of Jordan’s father allegedly threatening to use the accusations to “destroy” both Jackson’s career and his ex-wife.
With such legal minefields now in play, the studio behind the film is seriously considering scrapping the entire project if they can’t secure approval for the re-shoots. And with the massive budget already ballooning, insiders say tensions are running high.
“This could be one of the most expensive delays Hollywood has seen in recent years,” an anonymous source close to the production revealed.
A $600 Million Payday and Mounting Debts
Despite the drama surrounding the biopic, Michael Jackson’s estate has been making moves of its own. In 2024, it was reported that Jackson’s estate had sold half of his publishing and recorded masters to Sony Music for a whopping $600 million. This historic deal was seen as a way to tackle the $500 million debt Jackson reportedly left behind when he passed away in 2009.
The King of Pop’s financial troubles have long been a topic of speculation, with reports stating he was $140 million in debt as far back as 1998. However, the lucrative catalog sale has provided some relief to his estate—if they can avoid costly legal entanglements like the current biopic debacle.
Fans React: “Let the Truth Be Told”
The delay has sparked a firestorm of reactions across social media, with fans divided on whether the movie should go ahead with the controversial scenes intact or respect Jackson’s wishes.
- “Let the truth be told,” tweeted one fan, arguing that the biopic should cover all aspects of Jackson’s life—even the most controversial ones.
- Others, however, believe that focusing on the allegations only fuels negativity around his legacy. “He was never convicted of anything. Let the man rest in peace,” said another passionate supporter.
The Jackson fanbase has always been fiercely loyal, and the biopic’s handling of the delicate subject matter could determine whether it becomes a box office hit or a PR disaster.
What’s Next for the Biopic?
With so much riding on Michael, industry insiders are now speculating about whether the studio will move forward or cut its losses. Reshoots could cost millions, and some reports suggest that Jackson’s estate might not be willing to foot the bill.
There’s also the question of whether audiences will still flock to theaters after the delays, or if the controversy surrounding the film will overshadow its success.
Hollywood’s Long History of Problematic Biopics
Michael Jackson isn’t the first celebrity to face posthumous controversy in Hollywood. Over the years, several major biopics have run into trouble, from legal battles to script disputes and beyond. Remember the drama surrounding Bohemian Rhapsody? Or how Rocketman faced criticism for its portrayal of Elton John’s personal struggles?
However, Michael could take things to a whole new level if the legal drama continues to spiral.
Will We Ever See Michael on the Big Screen?
For now, the fate of Michael hangs in the balance. Will the studio take the financial hit and push forward, or will they scrap the film altogether? If one thing’s certain, it’s that the King of Pop’s legacy remains as complicated as ever.