Michael Movie Success: Is a Biopic Sequel Possible?

Here in Chicago, where the neon glow of the Chicago Theatre marquee still flickers with the ghosts of Motown legends and the footprints of the Jackson 5 are etched into the pavement outside the old Regal Theater, the news that Michael—the Michael Jackson biopic starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson—has raked in $218 million globally isn’t just another Hollywood box office stat. It’s a cultural tremor. And if the filmmakers get their way, it might just be the first act of a story that could ripple through our city’s music scene, its tourism economy, and even its legal landscape in ways we haven’t seen since the King of Pop himself performed at the United Center in 1997.

But let’s be clear: a sequel to a music biopic is about as rare as a snowless January in Chicago. The primary sources confirm that Michael isn’t just a hit—it’s a record-shattering one, with the biggest opening weekend for a musical biopic ever at the domestic box office. That’s not just a win for the studio. it’s a signal that audiences are hungry for more. And in a city where music is woven into the DNA of neighborhoods like Bronzeville, Pilsen, and the South Side, that hunger could translate into real-world opportunities—or real-world complications.

The Unprecedented Nature of a Biopic Sequel

First, the facts: according to the primary source, Michael has earned $218 million globally, a figure that places it in a league of its own among music biopics. For context, that’s more than double the lifetime gross of Bohemian Rhapsody ($903 million, but adjusted for inflation, Michael is already outperforming its early run). The film’s success is even more striking given that it doesn’t attempt to cover Jackson’s entire life. Instead, it ends before the 1993 child abuse allegations—a legal and ethical minefield that the filmmakers are reportedly barred from addressing in any sequel.

This is where Chicago’s legal and entertainment communities might find themselves at the center of the conversation. The city is home to some of the nation’s most prominent entertainment lawyers, many of whom have offices in the Loop or along Michigan Avenue. Firms like Jenner & Block and Loeb & Loeb have handled high-profile cases involving intellectual property, defamation, and rights clearance—exactly the kind of expertise that would be critical if a sequel were to navigate the legal complexities of Jackson’s later years. For local attorneys specializing in entertainment law, the prospect of a Michael sequel could mean a surge in demand for their services, particularly if the filmmakers seek to expand the narrative into the more contentious chapters of Jackson’s life.

But it’s not just the legal side that could see an impact. Chicago’s music industry, which has long been a hub for R&B, soul, and hip-hop, could find itself in the spotlight if a sequel moves forward. The city has a rich history of producing and nurturing musical talent, from Chess Records to Chance the Rapper. A Michael sequel could inspire a new wave of biopics about local legends—imagine a film about Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, or even Kanye West, whose early career was shaped in Chicago’s studios. Local filmmakers, producers, and musicians might see this as an opportunity to pitch their own projects, leveraging the city’s cultural cachet to attract investors.

Why Chicago’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector Should Pay Attention

Chicago’s tourism industry is no stranger to blockbuster tie-ins. The Batman films shot here in the early 2000s led to a surge in visitors to locations like Lower Wacker Drive and the Marina City towers. More recently, the Candyman reboot, which was set in Chicago’s Cabini-Green neighborhood, brought a wave of horror tourists eager to explore the city’s darker history. A Michael sequel could do the same for Jackson’s legacy in Chicago.

While the primary sources don’t mention specific filming locations in Chicago, the city has deep ties to Jackson. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is one of the few permanent exhibits dedicated to the artist in the country. A sequel could reignite interest in this exhibit, drawing visitors from across the Midwest. Hotels near the museum, like the Hyatt Regency Chicago or the Fairmont Chicago, could see an uptick in bookings, particularly if the museum partners with local tourism boards to create a “Michael Jackson Experience” package.

the film’s success could spur interest in Chicago’s own music tourism offerings. The Chicago Blues Festival, held annually in Millennium Park, is already a major draw for music lovers. A Michael sequel might inspire the city to expand its music tourism initiatives, perhaps even launching a “Chicago Music Legends” tour that highlights the city’s contributions to R&B, soul, and pop. For local tour operators, this could be a golden opportunity to create new experiences that capitalize on the renewed interest in Jackson’s legacy.

The Ethical and Cultural Questions a Sequel Would Raise

Of course, a Michael sequel isn’t just a business opportunity—it’s a cultural lightning rod. The primary sources note that the filmmakers are legally barred from covering the 1993 allegations, but that doesn’t mean the conversation around them will disappear. Chicago has a long history of grappling with complex cultural figures, from R. Kelly to Bill Cosby, and the city’s arts and academic communities are often at the forefront of these discussions.

Institutions like Columbia College Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago frequently host panels and lectures on the intersection of art, ethics, and celebrity. A Michael sequel could spark a new wave of these conversations, particularly if the filmmakers attempt to address Jackson’s later years in a way that balances artistic integrity with sensitivity. Local ethicists, cultural critics, and historians might find themselves in high demand to weigh in on the film’s portrayal of Jackson, offering a Chicago-centric perspective on how the city’s diverse communities engage with his legacy.

For local nonprofits and advocacy groups, the sequel could also present an opportunity to engage with audiences on issues of child protection, media representation, and the responsibilities of artists. Organizations like Prevent Child Abuse Illinois or the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center might use the film’s release as a platform to raise awareness about their work, particularly if the sequel reignites public debate about Jackson’s life and the allegations against him.

What So for Chicago’s Creative Economy

Chicago’s creative economy is a powerhouse, contributing over $20 billion annually to the region’s GDP, according to a 2023 report by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The success of Michael and the potential for a sequel could inject new energy—and new funding—into the city’s film, music, and arts sectors. Here’s how:

• Film and Television Production: Chicago has become a hotspot for film and TV production, thanks in part to state tax incentives and a diverse range of filming locations. A Michael sequel could attract more high-profile projects to the city, particularly if the filmmakers choose to shoot here. Local production companies like Cinespace Chicago Film Studios—which has hosted shows like The Bear and Chicago P.D.—could see increased demand for their facilities.
• Music and Performance: The sequel could also boost Chicago’s live music scene. Venues like the Auditorium Theatre, Thalia Hall, and Metro Chicago might see a surge in tribute concerts, cover bands, and themed events celebrating Jackson’s music. Local musicians could find new opportunities to perform his catalog, particularly if the sequel reignites interest in his work.
• Education and Workforce Development: Chicago’s music and film schools, such as DePaul University’s School of Music and Columbia College Chicago’s Cinema and Television Arts program, could see increased enrollment as students seek to capitalize on the renewed interest in biopics and music-driven storytelling. These institutions might also develop new courses or workshops focused on the business and creative aspects of biopic filmmaking, using Michael as a case study.

If You’re in Chicago and This Trend Impacts You, Here’s Who You Necessitate to Know

Given my background in covering the intersection of culture, commerce, and community, I’ve seen firsthand how a single film can reshape a city’s economic and creative landscape. If the prospect of a Michael sequel has you thinking about how to capitalize on—or navigate—the opportunities and challenges it presents, here are the three types of local professionals you should be connecting with in Chicago:

Entertainment and Intellectual Property Attorneys

If you’re a filmmaker, musician, or content creator looking to develop your own biopic or music-driven project, you’ll need legal guidance to navigate rights clearances, contracts, and potential defamation risks. Look for attorneys with experience in:

• Music licensing and synchronization rights (critical if your project involves Jackson’s catalog or other copyrighted material).
• Life rights agreements (if you’re telling the story of a living person or their estate).
• Defamation and privacy law (particularly important if your project touches on controversial aspects of a subject’s life).

Local firms like Jenner & Block and Loeb & Loeb have deep expertise in these areas, but don’t overlook boutique practices that specialize in entertainment law. Ask for references from clients who’ve worked on biopics or music-related projects, and create sure they have a track record of negotiating with major studios and estates.

Tourism and Experience Design Consultants

If you’re in the hospitality, tourism, or event planning industries, a Michael sequel could be your chance to create new experiences that draw visitors to Chicago. You’ll aim for to work with consultants who can help you:

• Develop themed tours or experiences that tie into Jackson’s legacy (e.g., a “Chicago Music Legends” tour that includes stops at historic venues like the Regal Theater or Chess Records).
• Design partnerships with local museums, hotels, and attractions to create bundled offerings (e.g., a “Michael Jackson Experience” package that includes tickets to the DuSable Museum and a stay at a nearby hotel).
• Secure sponsorships and funding for large-scale events, such as tribute concerts or film screenings.

Look for consultants with experience in cultural tourism and a portfolio that includes projects tied to music, film, or pop culture. Organizations like Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism bureau, can also provide resources and connections to help you get started.

Cultural Strategists and Ethicists

If you’re an artist, academic, or nonprofit leader, the cultural and ethical questions raised by a Michael sequel could be just as important as the economic opportunities. You’ll need strategists who can help you:

• Facilitate community conversations about the complexities of Jackson’s legacy, particularly in a city as diverse as Chicago.
• Develop programming or exhibitions that engage with the film’s themes in a nuanced way (e.g., a panel discussion on “Art, Ethics, and Celebrity” at a local university or cultural center).
• Advise on how to navigate potential backlash or controversy, particularly if your work touches on sensitive aspects of Jackson’s life.

Seek out professionals with backgrounds in cultural studies, ethics, or community engagement. Local universities like University of Chicago and Northwestern University often have faculty or centers (e.g., the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture at UChicago) that can provide expertise or connect you with the right people. Nonprofits like Arts Alliance Illinois can also be valuable resources.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated entertainment and intellectual property attorneys in the Chicago area today.

Or, if you’re in the tourism or experience design space, explore our curated list of local experts who can help you create unforgettable visitor experiences.