Sphere Abacus (SA) has sold Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson to a raft of global broadcasters ahead of its Channel 4 premiere tomorrow, 18 March. This follow-up documentary (1 x 53’) continues the story of Wade Robson and James Safechuck in their decade-long quest to have their day in court against Michael Jackson’s companies.
The long-awaited sequel has been acquired by Nine Network (Australia), VRT (Belgium), Radio-Canada (French speaking Canada), Dox TV (Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland), Canal+ (France), RTL (Germany), yesDocu & Channel HOT8 (Israel), RTL (The Netherlands), TVNZ (New Zealand), NRK (Norway) Movistar+ (Spain), SVT (Sweden) and Little Dot Studios will release through their digital network channels in USA, Canada, Greece Turkey, Middle East and Asia (excluding Hong Kong).
Produced by AMOS Pictures and filmed over five years with full access to Wade, James, their families and legal teams, Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson tells the story of a difficult journey and its many twists, turns and setbacks. Returning multi award-winning director Dan Reed documents the second stage of Wade and James’s quest which is now close to fruition. The third and final film will cover the trial, scheduled for late 2026, thus completing the Leaving Neverland trilogy. If their cases are successful, the potential positive impact on the United States’ entertainment industry will be huge. Music and movie companies will no longer be able to shrug off responsibility when one of their stars sexually abuses a minor in their care.
The documentary also examines the impact of its 2019 predecessor Leaving Neverland and of Oprah Winfrey’s follow-up programme on the two men and their families, and on the hard-core MJ fan community.
Jonathan Ford, Managing Director, SA comments “We are witnessing huge demand across international markets for 'Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson'. The story resonates deeply on a global scale, sparking critical conversations and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. We are proud to be part of sharing this important documentary with a diverse global audience."
