Michael Jackson Sequel: What We Want to See

The Michael Jackson biopic, ‘Michael,’ has officially hit theaters and is making waves, especially with its focus on the music and performances that defined the King of Pop’s rise. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the film covers Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 through the peak of his solo career, concluding around the release of his ‘Bad’ album. While audiences have shown up in droves, the film’s tight runtime left many moments feeling rushed, prompting immediate conversations about what else could have been explored.

A Sequel is Confirmed: What’s Next?

The good news? Lionsgate has confirmed that a second installment is in the works! This sequel aims to delve deeper into the next phase of Michael Jackson’s life, potentially incorporating previously shot material like concert footage. This opens the door for a more comprehensive look at the later, more complex years of his career.

As Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson stated, “We absolutely have more story to tell.” This sequel offers a chance to revisit the moments that might have been shortened or omitted in the first film, giving audiences a more complete picture of the iconic artist.

Exploring Later Relationships

While the first film focused on his rise, a sequel could explore Michael’s significant relationships later in life. This includes his marriages to Lisa Marie Presley (1994-1996) and Debbie Rowe (1996-1999). It would also be compelling to see his close bond with Diana Ross, especially given their shared history in ‘The Wiz,’ and how legal issues impacted their portrayal in the first film.

A Look Back at ‘The Wiz’

The 1978 film ‘The Wiz’ was a pivotal moment for Michael, marking his first major film role as the Scarecrow. This transition from child star to adult artist was crucial, and it also launched his legendary partnership with Quincy Jones, which produced groundbreaking albums like ‘Off the Wall’ and ‘Thriller.’ A retrospective on this aspect of his career would add significant depth.

Addressing the Controversies

The most significant question surrounding a sequel is how it will handle the controversies of Jackson’s later life, particularly the 1993 allegations. The first film largely sidestepped these issues. How the sequel chooses to address, or continue to avoid, these complex and sensitive topics will heavily influence the completeness of the narrative.

The Jackson Family Dynamic

Janet Jackson’s absence from the first film was noticeable. Given her own rise to superstardom during the ‘Bad’ era and beyond, her presence in a sequel feels essential. Exploring their sibling relationship during a time when both were operating at peak fame could offer fascinating insights.

Neverland Ranch and Its Significance

Michael’s deep admiration for ‘Peter Pan’ and the creation of Neverland Ranch were hinted at in the first film. Purchasing the ranch in 1988 transformed it into his personal sanctuary and amusement park. The sequel should explore its creation, its role in his life, and the reasons for his departure in 2005, after feeling it was ‘tainted’ by legal issues.

The ‘We Are The World’ Sessions

The recording of ‘We Are The World’ was a legendary event that occurred within the timeframe covered by the first film. A brief look inside this historic session, which brought together music icons like Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, and Diana Ross for a global cause, would be a powerful addition.

The Final Chapter: His Death and Legacy

To provide closure, the sequel must address the events surrounding Michael Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009. This includes the circumstances of his passing while preparing for the ‘This Is It’ shows, the subsequent global outpouring of grief, the memorial services, and the resurgence of his music in the aftermath. This final chapter would bring the full story of his extraordinary life to a close.