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Fuqua and King Net Millions Amid 'Michael' Film Changes
25 Apr
Summary
- Director and producer earned millions more after film's third act was scrapped.
- Original plan included depicting child abuse allegations, but legal issues arose.
- The biopic has exceeded box office expectations despite negative reviews.
The biopic "Michael," focusing on the King of Pop, has generated significant earnings for its director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King. Following a major plot change that removed allegations of child sexual abuse from the third act due to a prior settlement, King received an additional $10 million and Fuqua secured an extra $15 million. This adjustment was part of a new budget after the film required extensive reshoots.
The film's release was delayed to April 2026 after an oversight by the Michael Jackson estate concerning the settlement agreement. The original script featured Jackson facing accusations, but a settlement stipulated he could not be depicted in commercial projects. This led to 22 extra filming days in June 2025, with filmmakers now reportedly considering a sequel.
Despite facing criticism and a wave of negative reviews, "Michael" has performed strongly at the box office. Projections suggest domestic earnings between $94 million and $100 million, with a global launch approaching $200 million. The film chronicles Jackson's rise from his early days with the Jackson 5 to becoming a global icon before his death in 2009.
