The sequel to 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” subtitled “Surviving Michael Jackson,” will be available to watch on YouTube in the U.S. and Canada.
Little Dot Studios, an All3Media company, announced on Wednesday that it has acquired the exclusive U.S. and English Canadian rights to the sequel and will premiere it on Real Stories, Little Dot’s premium documentary YouTube channel.
The hour-long follow-up, which is debuting in the U.K. via Channel 4 on March 18, will catch up with Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who accused the King of Pop of sexually abusing them when they were minors. Jackson denied the allegations during his lifetime, and his estate continues to do so. According to its official synopsis, “Leaving Neverland 2” captures Robson and Safechuck’s “ongoing legal battle, the resulting personal toll and the backlash they faced from Jackson’s global fanbase. With exclusive access to court hearings, the documentary reveals how MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures fought to prevent the case from reaching trial.”
In its announcement, Little Dot said the doc will debut on YouTube “shortly after” its U.K. premiere, but did not specify a date. According to a press release, the move to release “Surviving Michael Jackson” on YouTube is to ensure “the film reaches a wide and diverse audience by leveraging its growing dominance as a platform for long-form viewing.”
Dan Reed, the director of the documentary and founder of Amos Pictures, said in a statement: “Premiering this film on YouTube is about breaking down barriers to access. Traditional platforms can only reach so many people, but YouTube offers an opportunity for this story to be seen by audiences on their own terms as it’s freely available. With its proven expertise in digital distribution and commitment to impactful storytelling, Little Dot Studios is the ideal partner to make that happen. This release marks a significant step forward in how important documentaries can be shared and discussed at scale.”
Added Little Dot’s Paul Woolf, head of unscripted development and executive editor of documentary, nature and scripted channels: “‘Leaving Neverland 2’ is a powerful and significant film that deserves to be seen by both traditional documentary audiences and the growing community of viewers on Real Stories. Our established YouTube channels allow us to connect this documentary with engaged audiences who actively seek out thought-provoking content. This release highlights how digital platforms can amplify the reach and impact of documentary filmmaking.”
HBO, which produced the two-part 2019 doc, is not involved in the sequel. In 2020, HBO lost a legal battle against the Jackson estate, which sued the cabler for $100 million and argued that “Leaving Neverland” violated a 27-year-old non-disparagement clause from a 1992 concert film from the “Dangerous” tour.
Jackson, who died in 2009, was the subject of multiple allegations of child sexual abuse during his career and at one point faced criminal charges, leading to a highly publicized trial in 2005. He denied all the allegations and was found not guilty on all counts.
“Leaving Neverland 2” is produced by Reed as well as Marguerite Gaudin. Peter Haddon and Ben Hills served as editors. Iris Maor was head of production and Adam Vandermark is the Channel 4 commissioner. Sphere Abacus is handling international sales.
The 2019 original film won an Emmy for best documentary or nonfiction special, as well as a BAFTA TV award for best factual series.
Deadline was the first to report the news.
