Speculation is mounting that the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” may face a significant delay. Despite its scheduled release date of October 3, 2025, recent developments at CinemaCon have raised concerns about the film’s timeline.
Lionsgate, which is handling domestic distribution (US) for “Michael,” held its CinemaCon panel on April 1, 2025. The studio made major announcements about franchises like “John Wick” and “The Hunger Games,” but surprisingly, “Michael” was barely mentioned. This absence has led to widespread speculation, with many questioning why the film was not promoted at such a high-profile industry event.
According to reports, Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson only briefly acknowledged the film, stating that there would be “more coming soon.” However, no footage, images, or significant updates were provided. This omission has sparked industry chatter, with insiders now suggesting that the film’s release could be pushed to 2026.
Entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider has indicated that he is “99 percent sure” the film will be delayed, with no official comment from Lionsgate as of yet. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes reports suggest that director Antoine Fuqua is facing significant challenges, including the need to rewrite, reshoot, and recut the entire third act of the film. Additionally, legal complications surrounding the project could also be contributing to the uncertainty.
While Lionsgate previously denied rumors of a delay back in February, the film’s absence from CinemaCon and ongoing industry speculation suggest that its current release date may not be set in stone. Fans and insiders alike will be eagerly awaiting further updates to see whether “Michael” can still make its planned theatrical debut in 2025.
Many fans were hyped by the prospect to see the Biopic trailer at CinemaCon despite no confirmation from Lionsgate that it will be shown at the event and now the worry of a delay took over their social media.
