A sequel to the Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland is set to air in March.
The hour-long follow-up, titled Surviving Michael Jackson, will premiere on the U.K.’s Channel 4 on March 18. The new documentary will revisit Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the two men who accused Jackson of sexually abusing them as children. Jackson, who denied the allegations throughout his life, continues to have his estate reject the claims.
Unlike its predecessor, Surviving Michael Jackson will not be produced by HBO. In 2020, the network lost a legal dispute with Jackson’s estate after being sued for $100 million. The estate argued that Leaving Neverland breached a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 concert film.
Directed by Dan Reed, Leaving Neverland 2 will focus on the personal effects the allegations have had on Robson and Safechuck. The documentary will highlight the ongoing challenges they face, including backlash from Jackson’s fans. The film promises exclusive access to court hearings and will reveal the extent of the Jackson estate’s efforts to block the two men from seeking justice.
Michael Jackson faced numerous allegations of child sexual abuse over his career, including a highly publicized 2005 trial in which he was acquitted on all charges.
Leaving Neverland 2 is produced by Reed’s Amos Pictures, with Marguerite Gaudin as the producer. Editors Peter Haddon and Ben Hills, along with head of production Iris Maor, contributed to the film. Channel 4’s Adam Vandermark is the commissioner, and Sphere Abacus is handling international sales.
The original Leaving Neverland won an Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special and a BAFTA TV award for Best Factual Series in 2019.
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