The following alleged claim by Matt Belloni regarding part of the biopic being reshot has neither been confirmed nor denied by the Estate of Michael Jackson or Lionsgate. While reshoots are common in the film industry, we cannot confirm whether this is the case or the reason behind it. However, due to the widespread media attention, MJVibe feels it is our duty to inform fans to approach this story with caution.
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has hit a serious roadblock, and it all comes down to an old legal agreement. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, in the lead role, with Colman Domingo playing Michael’s father, Joe Jackson. But now, it looks like the entire third act of the movie might need to be rewritten – or even reshot – because of complications surrounding a 1993 legal settlement involving the Chandler family.
The Chandlers accused Jackson of sexually abusing their 13-year-old son, Jordan, back in 1993, and their story was set to play a big role in the film. According to Matt Belloni of Puck, the third act of Michael was built around this scandal, reportedly framing the Chandlers as being driven by money. However, a settlement agreement from the ’90s apparently bars the filmmakers from depicting the Chandlers or their story on screen.
What’s making things worse is the timing. Allegedly, John Branca, one of the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate (portrayed by Miles Teller in the film), only informed the filmmakers about this restriction after the movie had already finished shooting.
What Happens Now?
With the third act now in limbo, the filmmakers are left scrambling. The Estate has reportedly agreed to cover the costs of reshoots, but the rewritten script still needs approval from Lionsgate, the film’s main studio, and Universal, which is handling its international release. The film, originally scheduled for April 2025, has already been delayed to October, but that date could be in jeopardy if the reshoots drag on.
Can the Film Recover?
This isn’t the first time Michael has been surrounded by controversy. Matt Belloni, who broke the story, has previously been accused of stirring the pot with Hollywood gossip. He’s even been blamed for allegedly leaking details of the script earlier in the production process. So, while his claims add to the drama, it’s worth taking them with a pinch of salt.
As it stands, Michael is still aiming for its October 2025 premiere, but with such a massive part of the film needing a rewrite, it’s unclear whether the production can recover in time, but reshoot are very common in the film industry so even if this is true, it has for sure been accounted for by the production. With a $150 million budget and intense public scrutiny, it’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out – and whether the final film can still do justice to Michael Jackson’s legacy.
i plan to see it the second it’s out, plus i’ll buy it on Apple or wherever it’s released. just about every MJ fan will do the same. this is going to bring in huge money. nothing will stop its release.
Easy, handle 3rd Act this way, …
If can’t depict Jordan Chandler or his family onscreen and can’t use his likeness, then show a child, any child (uncredited if need be) not listed in film credits as Jordan, then have film jump to the allegations and cover that, with child’s name or not. Talk about the motivation of the family without talking about it, just lay out the facts and have audience connect the dots WITHOUT SAYING “greedy” or “for the money”. Perhaps you can talk about the fact that his dentist dad lost his job and license to practice, and that’s motivation right there without saying it’s motivation, just a quick 5 seconds on screen and move on. If can’t use that dental portion keep going, … then show MJ’s anguish without kid’s name. Then cut to the news or paper where Jordie claimed it was a lie and his dad told him to do it and this was confessed by that kid just after Jackson was to deliver his final concert “This is it” Tour. Within 3 days of Jackson dying that kid felt so guilty, he came foward and stated the truth, and has since been hiding.
Also show Gavin Arvizo, the boy whose mother tried bilking other stars like Jay Leno and JcPenney dept store, and how later she admitted she lied. When you get to Gavin, you can be like, … not again I wish I hadn’t settled out of court to make bad press go away quick, because everyone now comes foward thinking they too have a cash cow. (Previously bad attorney advice, but not sure you can say that either). Just say I chose the wrong option and should have fought that instead of ducking a trial or because my schedule was tight, and should have stayed to face that fraudulent accuser, but because I (he) didn’t, that opened Pandora’s box.
Then show the Irish Times paper full article, who mentioned his innocence of all charges for the last court case. At some point show the US paper, which was a small blurb in the back of a paper, which is truly how it was done. It was a BIG deal and they smeared his name everywhere, but when innocent the same coverage wasn’t given. Also show Aphrodite Jones book who also believed MJ and who did alot of research.