Jaafar Jackson said the scenes cut from “Michael” helped him grow as an actor. He was ready to play his uncle, Michael Jackson, once more.
In a new Variety interview, Jackson said the work that stayed off screen had “made me a better actor.”
He knew some takes would not make the film. The work still taught him skills he could use in other roles. He had heard other actors discuss cuts to their scenes, too.
He also said he had no solid start date for part two. His schedule was open, and he was ready to return.
AllHipHop reported in August that Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson hoped to start filming late this year or early next year. The goal was to have the film out in late 2027 or the first half of 2028.
The studio has also won help to shoot the next film in California. California’s Film Commission announced new tax-credit awards October 7. Lionsgate’s “Michael 2,” a working title, made the list. The state’s project list puts the credit at about $30.8 million. It calls for 55 shoot days, with 65 cast hires and 300 crew hires.
The first film gave Lionsgate a big hit to build on. AllHipHop’s September box-office report put its worldwide run at about $1.029 billion. Most of that money came from fans outside the U.S. and Canada. The film passed “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Oppenheimer” to set the biopic record.
Changes to the first film also reached beyond its lead actor. In April, Kat Graham said legal issues had removed her Diana Ross scenes.
Lionsgate’s notes trace Michael’s rise from the Jackson Five into his early solo years. Antoine Fuqua directed it, with Graham King as producer.
Jackson had also just finished his second film. He told Variety he had spent about 40 days in Australia on “Supermax” with Will Smith and a new cast and crew. This time, he did not have to sing or dance. “Michael” had filmed only in Los Angeles.
He did not give a plot for part two.
“My job is to come prepared and deliver the best performance I can,” Jackson said.
from AllHipHop https://ift.tt/lnEi4WM
via IFTTT