Michael Jackson's biopic expected in 2026 as family consider O2 Arena for premiere

The world was left in shock when Michael Jackson tragically passed away just 18 days before he was set to take the stage for the opening night of his This Is It concert residency.

At the peak of his legendary career, the King of Pop had been preparing for 50 sold-out performances at London's O2 Arena, but his untimely death in June 2009, aged, 50, cut those plans short.

Now, Jackson's family reportedly hope to honour his memory by premiering his upcoming biopic, Michael, at one of London's most iconic music venues.

Sources close to the family revealed that they want the location to 'fulfil Michael's dream,' as the O2 held deep meaning for the late performer and his fans alike.

Sources told The Sun: 'It was Michael's dream to that residency at the O2 and now his family are hoping that will partly be fulfilled with the film premiering at the venue.'

Following his death, thousands of heartbroken fans turned the O2 into a shine, gathering for a candlelit vigil on July 13, 2009 the date his first concert was due to take place.

The highly anticipated film, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson as the Thriller hitmaker, is scheduled to release in April 2026, although the premiere venue has yet to be officially confirmed.

Meanwhile, Michael's daughter Paris Jackson, 27, has chosen to distance herself from the $155 million, two-part production, citing concerns about 'dishonesty.'

Her comments came after actor Colman Domingo-who plays Michael's father, Joe Jackson told PEOPLE magazine that Paris was 'very much in support of our film.' Paris later refuted the claim, clarifying that she does not endorse the project.