Michael 2 has received a major financial boost ahead of its production. The sequel is among the latest films to secure California tax incentives. The funding could help support the film’s upcoming production in the state.
According to Variety, Michael 2 has secured $30.8 million in tax credits from the California Film Commission. The state selected 35 films in the latest round of its film and television tax-credit program. The selected projects will receive $226 million in incentives altogether.
The first Michael also benefited from California’s film incentives. It received $21 million in tax credits before earning more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Since then, California has made its tax-credit program more generous. Michael 2 will receive credits covering 35% of its qualified costs, compared with the 17.5% rate that applied to the original.
What else do we know about Michael 2 so far?
Michael 2 will continue Michael Jackson’s story, with Jaafar Jackson reprising the title role. Antoine Fuqua directed the first film and will reportedly return to helm the sequel.
The first film followed Jackson from his childhood with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global music star. The story ended around the 1987 Bad tour, leaving several important parts of his life and career for a potential sequel.
Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson previously confirmed that the team had already shot material for a second film during production on Michael. He revealed that roughly 25% to 30% of a potential sequel was already complete, including several major musical sequences.
The sequel is expected to explore later stages of Jackson’s career. Fogelson has also suggested that the sequel could move back and forth through Jackson’s timeline instead of following a completely chronological structure. Lionsgate has previously discussed a potential release window in late 2027 or the first half of 2028.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
