Michael Jackson Biopic Needs Major Reshoots After Discovery of Past Legal Agreement with Molestation Accuser: Report

Mar. 15, 2025

Michael Jackson on March 16, 2005.Photo:Carlo Allegri/Getty

Carlo Allegri/Getty

Michael, the upcoming movieaboutMichael Jacksonmade in cooperation with his family, is reportedly in need of a major overhaul due to unforeseen legal reasons.

According to a Jan. 23report fromPuck, the producers behind the already-filmed project are facing a “nightmare scenario,” working to rewrite and do reshoots after lawyers realized a clause in a settlement made with one of Jackson’s former accusers presented an issue.

Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50, was accused in 1993 of sexually abusing 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. The musician settled with the Chandler family out of court for a reported $25 million.

A source close to the production tells PEOPLE Jan. 24, “The Michael Jackson biopic is not in total chaos. The inflammatory headlines about the moving halting are simply not true. The film is moving forward, and reshoots are happening in March.”

Spokespersons for Lionsgate (the film’s distributor), producer King and attorney Jonathan Steinsapir (who represents the Jackson estate) did not respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment about the reports.

Jaafar Jackson in “Michael”.Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate

Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate

Producer Graham King’s company GK Films (also behind the 2018 Oscar-winning Queen biopicBohemian Rhapsody)announcedin May 2024 thatMichaelhad finished filming.

The Jackson estate has repeatedly denied abuse accusations made against the late star. He was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005. Additional allegations were aired out in the 2019 documentaryLeaving Neverland,prompting an ongoing legal battle.

Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson on April 21, 2005.Justin Sullivan/Getty

Justin Sullivan/Getty

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A previously released logline for the movie said it brings an “honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated” Jackson.

Thecast ofMichaelalso includesColman Domingo and Nia Long as parents Joe and Katherine Jackson, plus Miles Teller as lawyer Branca.

source: people.com