Who Will Direct ‘Michael: Part Two’ Instead Of Antoine Fuqua? Producer Graham King May Step In Despite its overwhelmingly negative reviews, Michael has become a box-office success, grossing $97 million domestically in its opening weekend and likely securing a strong performance in the following weekend. However, the film’s director, Antoine Fuqua, has confirmed he will not return to helm the sequel, leaving the question of who will take his place unanswered. According to industry insiders, producer Graham King may step into the director’s chair for Michael: Part Two, despite lacking formal directing credits. The decision is rooted in King’s deep involvement in the production of the original film, including overseeing reshoots and navigating the legal challenges that reshaped the project into a vastly different version than initially intended. His firsthand experience with the chaotic production of Michael—which faced significant budget overruns and creative disputes—positions him as a logical choice for the sequel. Fuqua’s absence is attributed to his commitment to another high-profile project: a Netflix epic centered on the ancient general Hannibal Barca, starring Denzel Washington. While Fuqua’s collaboration with Washington on Training Day remains a notable draw, his focus on this new venture has left him unable to return to the Michael franchise. However, his role in the sequel will remain as a producer, though the extent of his involvement in the creative process remains unclear. The original Michael film, which was planned as a three-hour biopic, ended abruptly in 1988, leaving the sequel to pick up where the theatrical release left off. Lionsgate has indicated it will proceed with its current shooting schedule, given the success of Fuqua’s film at the box office.#lionsgate #nia_long #graham_king #antoinne_fuqua #john_brance
