Jaafar Jackson’s “Michael” has made box office history, shattering records to become the first biopic ever to breach the coveted $1 billion milestone globally.
The Michael Jackson biopic achieved the feat by drawing a massive USD 629.8 million from international markets alongside USD 371.8 million domestically, pulling its worldwide total to USD 1.001 billion.
The film has been an unprecedented commercial success since its April 2026 theatrical debut, which famously kicked off with a historic USD 97 million domestic and USD 217 million global opening weekend, completely obliterating the previous musical biopic record held by 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton”.
In another accomplishment, “Michael” stands as the highest grossing musical biopic, breaking the record of 2018's “Bohemian Rhapsody” with USD 911 million worldwide. It is also the largest film of all time for Lionsgate, as well as the studio's first film to ever reach USD 1 billion.
Also read: 'Michael' crosses 'Oppenheimer's' collection at box-office
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” follows the journey of pop icon Michael Jackson from the Jackson 5 to his status as the King of Pop. The singer's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrayed Michael in his acting debut. Colman Domingo and Nia Long were seen as parents Joe and Katherine.
The project was developed with the support of several members of Jackson's family years after his death in 2009 at the age of 50.
According to the film's official description, “Michael” offers an "honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated" music icon. The story concludes in 1988, focusing on Jackson's rise to global superstardom and not covering the allegations that emerged in later years.
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