'Leaving Neverland 2': Explosive Michael Jackson doc gets sequel
What's the story
British broadcaster Channel 4 has unveiled the trailer for Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, a sequel to the explosive 2019 documentary that accused pop icon Michael Jackson of pedophilia.
The upcoming film will explore Wade Robson and James Safechuck's pursuit of justice after they alleged sexual assault by Jackson.
The hour-long documentary will focus on the personal impact and global backlash they faced after going public.
Legal battles
'Leaving Neverland 2' to provide exclusive insight into legal proceedings
Leaving Neverland 2 will follow the legal proceedings, showing how MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures tried to prevent Robson and Safechuck's pursuit of justice.
The film will premiere on Channel 4 on March 18 at 9:00pm in the UK, while viewers in the US and English-speaking Canada can watch it at 8:00pm ET on Real Stories, Little Dot Studios's premium documentary channel on YouTube.
According to Pinkvilla, the Channel 4 premiere will be followed by YouTube debut for other regions.
Production details
HBO absent from 'Leaving Neverland 2' due to legal dispute
HBO isn't involved in the sequel after a legal battle with Jackson's estate.
US courts ruled that Leaving Neverland breached a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract for an HBO concert special on Jackson's Dangerous tour.
The sequel is produced and directed by Dan Reed through his production company Amos Pictures, with Marguerite Gaudin as the producer.
Accolades
'Leaving Neverland' received Emmy and BAFTA TV awards
The original Leaving Neverland documentary won an Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and a BAFTA TV award for Factual Series.
The editing team for the sequel includes Peter Haddon and Ben Hills, with Iris Maor leading production.
Adam Vandermark is the Channel 4 commissioner, while Sphere Abacus is handling international sales.