Biographical Film on Michael Jackson Reportedly Rewrites Third Act Due to Legal Issues Over Sexual Violence Allegation

Upcoming Biographical Film

The forthcoming biographical film about Michael Jackson has faced challenges, forcing a complete rework of the entire third act. It is said that this segment portrays accusations of sexual violence, which the singer’s heirs have prohibited from being staged.

Film Details and Cast

Titled MishaL, the film will chronicle the life and career of Michael Jackson, portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. Directed by Training Day‘s Antoine Fuqua, the film was initially set for release in October 2025.

However, according to a report from Washer, the film’s release will now be delayed due to an unauthorized image related to the case of Jordan Chandler.

In 1993, Evan Chandler, a dentist and screenwriter from Los Angeles, accused Jackson of sexual violence against his 13-year-old son, Jordan. The case was concluded when both parties reached a financial settlement in 1994.

As reported by Washer, co-founder Matthew Belloni notes that the third act of the film “especially relies on the influence of the Chandler circus,” claiming that the finale must now be altered and restructured.

Belloni stated: “In the script I read—which, as I was told, was close to the final version, though scripts are often revised—there’s a tense scene featuring a grandfather (Miles Teller), Johnny Cochran (Derek Luke), and other Jackson lawyers discussing whether they should settle with Chandler and his family.”

“At one point, the lawyers confront a damaging audio recording presented in court, where Jordan’s father threatens to use his son’s allegations to ‘destroy’ his ex-wife and Jackson’s career.”

“Subsequent scenes portray an extensive police investigation, including Michael’s ‘traumatic’ strip search, which leaves him scarred for life.”

Belloni reports that Jackson’s heirs allegedly signed an agreement prohibiting the staging of this matter, rendering much of the plot and “several key scenes unusable.”

He further claims that the entire project may now be at risk if Universal denies approval for the revisions. However, he added that his sources are “confident and hopeful” that the issues will be resolved before the October release date.

Alongside Jaafar Jackson, the cast features Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as manager John Branca.

The Vampire Diaries star Kat Graham will portray Diana Ross, while the role of music industry titan Quincy Jones, who recently passed away, will be played by Insecure‘s Kendrick Sampson.

So far, details about the film have been limited. Its first trailer was shown to critics at CinemaCon in April, reportedly receiving a positive response, but it has not yet been officially released worldwide.