The video game adaptation sequel The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which features the voices of Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black, was the first movie of 2026 to hit the billion-dollar mark at the box office. Since then, another animated sequel, Pixar‘s Toy Story 5, has also hit the milestone, with last weekend’s big blockbuster debut, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, managing to hit the milestone in almost record time, falling just short of Avengers: Endgame. Just today, Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey became the fifth Hollywood feature of 2026 to hit the $1 billion milestone.

But in between those eye-watering financial success stories, Antoine Fuqua’s musical biopic, Michael, became the first biopic of all time to hit $1 billion in theaters. In total, Michael earned $1.021 billion in global revenue, split between $649 million from overseas markets and $372 million in domestic earnings. Of course, thanks to such success, and considering where the narrative ended, many immediately wondered if a sequel would get the green light, against the normal trend of music biopics.

Previously, Lionsgate film chief, Adam Fogelson, confirmed that a sequel was in development, saying, “We are really excited about the progress we’re making with respect to a second ‘Michael’ film.” Now, the same man has given fans an insight into when they can see that white-glove sparkle again. In a new earnings call, per Variety, Fogelson and Lionsgate are hoping “to begin production in late 2026 or early 2027,” with “hopes of releasing the final product at the end of next year or in the first half of 2028.” Of course, any sequel would likely have to enter darker territory after the first film omitted almost every personal controversy in Jackson’s life.

Critics Weren’t Fond of ‘Michael’

Sure, the film might’ve smashed records for the biopic genre, but Michael faced plenty of critical backlash upon arrival. This is illustrated by the film’s disappointing 38% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, which is juxtaposed by a near-perfect 97% rating from audiences. One critic labeled the film a “dishonest and surface-skimming biopic,” while another complained that the film doesn’t know what it wants to be. Perhaps a sequel will be able to turn around the almost universal negative opinion of critics.

Next week, Michael will begin streaming on Starz. 

via Collider