Michael Jackson Biopic Director Paid Millions After Reshoots Cut Abuse

Key Points:

• The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, underwent major reshoots after legal concerns forced the removal of the film's original third act, which included child sexual abuse allegations.
• Fuqua and King received substantial additional payments—$15 million and $10 million respectively—to complete the reshoots, delaying the film's release from April 2025 to April 2026.
• The Jackson estate funded the reshoots to comply with a prior settlement preventing depiction of one accuser, resulting in the film ending in 1988 and omitting allegations that could have hurt box office performance.
• Despite mixed critical reception with a 38% Rotten Tomatoes score and ongoing controversy, "Michael" has surpassed box office expectations, earning around $94-$100 million domestically and nearly $200 million globally.
• The film chronicles Michael Jackson's rise from his childhood in the Jackson 5 to his status as the King of Pop, but has drawn criticism from accusers and advocates concerned about the omission of abuse allegations.