Controversial Michael Jackson biopic “scrapped” original ending about child abuse allegations

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This story discusses topics including child abuse allegations.

The much-discussed Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is set to open in UK cinemas on April 22nd. However, according to a recent report in Variety, the film has undergone changes from its initial vision. The filmmakers had to remove an original ending, as well as other scenes, before finalizing the movie. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in the lead role.

So, I heard about this biopic that was planned way back in ’93. Apparently, it was supposed to start with Michael Jackson getting arrested – all the accusations were fresh in everyone’s minds. Then, it would flash back and show his whole career, everything leading up to that point. The last part of the movie would focus on the accusations themselves. Crazy thing is, the case ended up being settled out of court, so he never actually faced any charges. It’s a wild concept for a movie, honestly.

Sources say the film’s ending, along with any reference to the accusations against Michael Jackson, has been removed. This change is reportedly due to a legal agreement with Jordan Chandler, one of Jackson’s accusers, which prevents his depiction or mention in any film.

Lawyers for the Jackson estate—who had a producing role in the film—discovered the issue after filming had already taken place. This required a revised ending, causing the movie’s release to be pushed back from April 2025 to April 2026. An additional 22 days of filming in June 2025 were needed to shoot the new ending, reportedly increasing the film’s budget by $10 to $15 million.

Digital Spy has contacted both Lionsgate (the movie’s producer and US distributor) and Universal (the international distributor) for a statement.

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The film Michael seems to end during Michael Jackson’s Bad tour and will largely center on his music and complex relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, who is portrayed by Colman Domingo. Sources at Variety have confirmed that Janet Jackson will not appear as a character in the movie.

If the movie Michael does well, there’s a possibility a sequel will be made, potentially using about 30% of footage from the original. Current estimates suggest it will open in the US with over $50 million and could become the highest-grossing musical biopic ever.

If the current project is successful, plans for a two-part movie about Michael Jackson’s life might be reconsidered. However, any future film would need to address the serious allegations of child abuse made against him, both during his lifetime and after his death, particularly those highlighted in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which sparked a legal battle between his estate and HBO.

Michael Jackson and his family have always denied claims of inappropriate behavior with children.

Michael is released in UK cinemas on 22 April and in US cinemas on 24 April.

If this story has raised concerns, please reach out for help. In the UK, you can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or visit their website at www.nspcc.org.uk. If you’re in the US, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or the American SPCC at www.americanspcc.org.

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2026-04-08 20:19