'Michael' producer breaks silence on sequel rumors after eye-catching pre-credit reveal: 'I've definitely...'
The much-awaited Michael Jackson biopic is still a few days from hitting the theatres, but the news of a potential sequel is already making the rounds online. The rumor has been fueled by multiple factors, the most important of which is comments from producer Graham King and the lead actor, Jaafar Jackson. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, King addressed the possibility of a sequel. He said, "I've definitely been thinking about some things. We'll see. We'll see what happens."
Lead actor Jaafar Jackson, who is playing the titular character, is also the nephew of the legendary pop star. In the same interview, he expressed enthusiasm about playing his uncle again. The original cut of the film was around three and a half hours, trimmed to two hours and seven minutes for the theatrical run. This means that the makers have enough footage to kickstart the sequel. The film explores Michael Jackson's childhood and early career through 1988. "His story will continue," appears on screen before the credits begin to roll, teasing that a potential sequel is already in the works. However, no official confirmation or announcement has been made by Lionsgate or the producers till now.
The sequel can address the darkest chapters of Michael Jackson's life following the 1993 child abuse allegations, which went on for 12 years. The case was finally settled in 2005 when Michael was acquitted of all charges. However, the case drew extensive media coverage, and several commentators described it as a media circus. There were often 24 hours of media coverage around his life, clothes, behavior, and health. The pop icon continued making music and stage performances during this time, but his health continuously deteriorated. He never visited his famous Neverland Ranch, a 2700-acre estate in Santa Barbara County, that had been raided multiple times by the police.
Michael died at age 50 from cardiac arrest due to propofol and benzodiazepine overdose on June 25, 2009. The early reviews of 'Michael' have been mixed. Some critics have hailed it as a masterpiece, while some view it as an average biographical drama. Apart from Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi, who are making their film debut as Michael Jackson, the film also stars Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo in supporting roles. The film will be released in cinemas worldwide on Friday.
