One of the stars of Michael is currently in a pay dispute with Lionsgate that could require litigation.
What do we know about Nia Long’s Michael pay dispute?
According to Matthew Belloni of Puck, Nia Long is “quietly fighting” Lionsgate over compensation on Michael. Long, who played Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, reportedly had a “favored nations” clause in her contract, stating that she could not be paid less than her co-stars.
Long allegedly earned less than co-stars Colman Domingo and Miles Teller. If the pay disparity is true, Long is now “threatening to take the studio to mediation over the discrepancy.”
In Michael, Long had less screen time than Domingo, who played Katherine’s husband, Joe. However, the movie underwent significant reshoots, including a total reshaping of the third act. Belloni, who read the original script, said Long’s part was supposed to be bigger and included a key scene at the end of the film.
Michael is the long-awaited biopic of Michael Jackson, from his early days in the Jackson 5 through the 1980s, when he became a global icon with Thriller and Bad.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, plays the King of Pop. Other cast members include Juliano Valdi as young Michael, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Billy Bray, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca.
Antoine Fuqua directed Michael from a screenplay by John Logan. Producers include Branca, Graham King, and John McClain.
Released on April 24, Michael has become a box-office sensation despite a negative critical response. Michael’s $97 million domestic opening weekend is the highest ever for a musical biopic. To date, Michael has made $277 million worldwide.
Michael 2 feels inevitable at this point because of its financial success. When it happens is still to be determined. Scheduling conflicts appear to be the biggest issue, as Fuqua and King have other projects lined up in the immediate future. There is also the question of whether the sequel will address Jackson’s sexual abuse allegations.
Michael is now in theaters.
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