Michael just blew away all box office expectations, earning $217 million worldwide, sailing past its production budget and setting an all-time record for any biopic, musical or otherwise. But the final film could have looked different before controversial scenes were reportedly cut.
A report citing familiar sources from Variety details several scenes that touch on the dark moments of his life, ones that did not make the final cut of Michael. Among them:
Michael Jackson stares in the mirror as police lights flash behind him, which takes place in 1993 after a child molestation accusation. A sequence where police search Neverland Ranch, among others, was cut amidst changes to the film, where that storyline previously made up much of the final act.
Any mentions of those child molestation allegations were removed from the film. These cuts were made after it was revealed that Jordan Chandler, a Jackson accuser who settled his case, had a clause that barred any depiction or reference to him in a movie.
SANTA MARIA, CA – DECEMBER 3: Singer Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court on December 3, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The artist is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Jim Ruyman-Pool/Getty Images)
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The update here, however, is that some or all of this could emerge in some form if there’s a sequel to the film, which seems increasingly likely if its box office rises. Here’s Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson speaking to THR:
“We absolutely have more story to tell,” Fogelson said. “We have prepared for that moment. And if the audience reinforces that they’re ready for more, we’re prepared to give it to them sooner rather than later.”
Part of this came to fruition because of the cuts and reshoots, as that entire chapter of Jackson’s life is not covered, this initial movie focused almost squarely on his performances and the conflict centered on his father, Joe Jackson. Fogelson also says the idea of a sequel wouldn’t be driven solely by earnings, but by fans asking for more. Given the movie’s 97% audience score, it stands to reason they want more, but obviously, the next film would head into much darker places.
Given the film’s current performance, spurred on by fans’ wholehearted embrace, a sequel does seem more likely than not. That said, much of the enthusiasm comes from Jackson megafans who may not feel like diving into that sordid chapter or his untimely death, which concluded his legacy. Should a sequel exist, it would likely not be released for years. Right now, all eyes are on the box-office totals for Michael, as the studio reportedly aimed for $700 million globally, which would make it the second-highest-grossing musical biopic ever, behind Bohemian Rhapsody. But it has surpassed expectations at every turn so far, and that may lead to a final figure beyond that.
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