In no small part to his massive legacy, Michael has been a smash-hit for Lionsgate, but Nia Long has a bone to pick with the production company as the company reportedly broke an equal pay clause on Michael. Her role, Kathrine Jackson, was severely reduced following immense reshoots, reshoots that could feasibly appear in the perspective Michael 2.
In an article on Puck (via Netflix Junkie), Long had a “favored nations” clause in her contract, which basically meant she wouldn’t be paid less than her co-stars. Unfortunately, she came to find out that Colman Domingo and Miles Teller were both paid more than her. At this time, it’s just rumors, but she may be taking the studio to mediation if things aren’t resolved internally.
We already dove into how the film was heavily reshot due to legal issues surrounding settlements, forcing some scenes being pushed out of the story and an entirely new ending produced. Some of these scenes included Long and star Jafaar Jackson — playing the role of his uncle, Michael Jackson — at Neverland Ranch. At the time, she hoped the scenes could be used in a sequel, but with her reported feelings towards Michael, it’s hard to say if she feels the same.
