Why Michael Jackson Biopic Cut Kat Graham’s Diana Ross Scenes

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The new movie Michael, a biography about the singer, has been very successful in theaters. While the cast and crew are celebrating this achievement, actress Kat Graham has mixed feelings, as her scenes didn’t make it into the final version of the film.

Actress Colman Domingo was originally chosen to portray Diana Ross in the film Michael, but audiences have noticed she doesn’t actually appear in the finished movie. Domingo explained on X (formerly Twitter) that her scenes were cut, likely due to legal issues. This follows reports that the film underwent significant changes and reshoots just before it was released.

Kat Graham’s Diana Ross Was Removed From Michael

Graham explained that some scenes from the upcoming Michael Jackson film, including those he shot with the cast, had to be removed before its April 24th release due to legal issues. He said the team did their best to keep the story intact despite these cuts.

It’s currently unknown how Ross first appeared in the film Michael before Graham’s scenes were removed. Ross and Jackson were close friends and actually starred together in a 1989 musical film. There’s a chance we might see Graham’s scenes later, maybe on a DVD or Blu-ray release, unless legal issues prevent it.

Diana Ross wasn’t the only well-known singer left out of the movie Michael. Michael’s sister, Janet Jackson, also doesn’t appear, but she asked the filmmakers to leave her out, and director Antoine Fuqua respected her wishes.

Director Antoine Fuqua explained that when telling someone’s life story, it’s important to ensure they’re portrayed in a way that respects and honors them, referencing Janet Jackson’s absence from recent documentaries, according to Variety.

More Can Be Covered in a Michael Sequel

The film Michael tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life, starting with his early years in The Jackson 5 and continuing through the beginning of his incredibly successful solo career, up until the late 1980s. The movie suggests a continuation of the story, and because it’s done well at the box office, another film is likely. Some critics felt the movie didn’t cover everything, but a sequel would have the opportunity to delve deeper into his life.

The movie Michael features Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, playing the iconic singer. The cast also includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Jessica Sula, Jamal R. Henderson, Juliano Krue Valdi, and Miles Teller. The film earned a strong debut, and while reviews from critics were mixed, audiences loved it, giving it a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Michael is now playing in movie theaters.

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2026-04-27 02:42