The Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland is officially getting a sequel. A one-hour follow-up, titled Surviving Michael Jackson, is set to premiere on the U.K.’s Channel 4 on March 18.
This sequel will revisit Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who previously accused the pop icon of sexually abusing them as minors. Jackson denied the allegations during his lifetime, and his estate continues to refute them.
Unlike the original 2019 two-part documentary, HBO is not involved in the production of the sequel. In 2020, HBO lost a legal battle against the Jackson estate, which had sued the network for $100 million, claiming that Leaving Neverland violated a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 concert film tied to the Dangerous tour.
Directed by Dan Reed, Leaving Neverland 2 will go into the personal impact on Robson and Safechuck after coming forward with their accusations.
Leaving Neverland Sequel (Photo: Sundance)
The documentary will highlight their continued pursuit of justice while facing strong opposition from Jackson’s global fanbase. Featuring “exclusive access to court hearings,” the film aims to “show the extent to which the Jackson estate has fought to prevent James and Wade from having their day in court.”
Throughout his career, Jackson faced multiple allegations of child sexual abuse, culminating in a highly publicized 2005 criminal trial. He maintained his innocence and was ultimately acquitted of all charges.
Produced by Reed through his company, Amos Pictures, Leaving Neverland 2 features Marguerite Gaudin as producer, with Peter Haddon and Ben Hills serving as editors. Iris Maor oversaw production, while Adam Vandermark is the commissioner for Channel 4. Sphere Abacus is managing international sales.
The original 2019 documentary won an Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special, as well as a BAFTA TV Award for Best Factual Series.
