The eagerly awaited biopic on Michael Jackson, Michael, which is being produced in collaboration with the late pop icon’s family, has hit a major roadblock due to unforeseen legal complications.
According to a report from Puck on January 23, the production team has been forced to revise parts of the script and reshoot scenes after discovering a critical clause in a 1993 legal settlement involving Jackson and the family of Jordan Chandler.
The settlement, reportedly worth $25 million, includes a legally binding clause that prohibits the Chandlers from being mentioned or depicted in any dramatized portrayal of Jackson’s life. This clause was overlooked during the initial script vetting and approval process, causing significant disruptions to the film’s progress.
Sources revealed that the Chandler case played a substantial role in the narrative written by screenwriter John Logan. The revelation has left producers scrambling to rewrite and rework the project to comply with the legal restrictions.
Despite reports of chaos, a source close to the production clarified to PEOPLE on January 24, “The Michael Jackson biopic is not in total chaos. The inflammatory headlines about the movie halting are simply not true. The film is moving forward, and reshoots are happening in March.”
The biopic, backed by Graham King’s GK Films—the production company behind the Oscar-winning Bohemian Rhapsody—initially completed filming in May 2024. While the film was originally scheduled for release on April 18, 2025, it has now been postponed to October 3, 2025.
The Jackson estate, which is actively involved in the project, has consistently denied allegations of abuse against the legendary artist. Michael Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005. However, the accusations resurfaced in the controversial 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, reigniting public debate and legal disputes.
Jaafar Jackson, the late pop star’s real-life nephew, takes on the lead role in the film. Michael is expected to explore Jackson’s rise to stardom, his legacy, and personal struggles, offering audiences a comprehensive look at the life of one of music’s most iconic figures.
With reshoots scheduled and the production moving forward, fans eagerly await what promises to be a detailed and captivating portrayal of the King of Pop.
