‘Michael’ biopic raises eyebrows following last minute production changes

Michael, the new biopic about Michael Jackson, is drawing buzz for its production changes and reported high costs.

As per a Bloomberg report cited by the outlet, the film’s reshoots and new budget led to higher payments for director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King.

According to People magazine, Fuqua allegedly received $15 million extra, while King was paid $10 million more.

The publisher revealed that the film was expected to include scenes about the 1993 allegations, but they did not included in the final edited version.

Sources say this change happened after filmmakers discovered a legal settlement connected to the case included restrictions on how the allegations could be shown or mentioned in dramatized projects. This led to scenes being rewritten and reshot.

Meanwhile, a representative for Graham King said the extra payments were part of a new production budget and reflected delays in other commitments due to the changes.

The film, released on April 24, 2026, stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson. 

In the meantime, the estate continues to deny the abuse allegations, with the singer previously found not guilty in a 2005 trial.

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