“Michael,” the long-awaited biographical drama centered on the life and career of Michael Jackson, has officially become the highest-grossing music biopic in film history, surpassing the global box office record previously held by “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his famous uncle, crossed the milestone during its eighth week in theaters. Industry estimates place its worldwide earnings above $930 million, pushing it past the $911 million total earned by the Queen biopic released in 2018.
The achievement marks a major victory for Lionsgate, Universal Pictures and producer Graham King, who also produced “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The film has become one of the year’s biggest theatrical successes and continues to draw audiences across international markets.
“Michael” chronicles Jackson’s rise from his early years with the Jackson 5 through the height of his global superstardom. The film stars Jaafar Jackson in his feature-film debut and features a supporting cast that includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Miles Teller.
A Global Box Office Phenomenon
The film opened to record-breaking numbers in April and quickly established itself as a worldwide event. Analysts credited strong audience interest, global brand recognition and widespread curiosity about Jackson’s life story for driving ticket sales.
Its performance has been especially notable overseas, where Jackson’s music continues to attract generations of fans. The movie set several opening-weekend records for music biopics and maintained momentum through multiple weeks of release.
The latest milestone places “Michael” among the most successful biographical films ever released. Industry observers now say the movie could challenge the coveted $1 billion global mark before completing its theatrical run.
The accomplishment is particularly significant given the crowded summer movie marketplace. Despite competition from major franchise releases and high-profile original films, “Michael” has remained a consistent draw for audiences worldwide.
Renewed Interest in Jackson’s Legacy
The box office success has also reignited public discussion about Jackson’s artistic legacy and cultural influence. Decades after becoming one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers, his catalog remains among the most consumed in popular music.
The film’s release introduced younger audiences to Jackson’s story while giving longtime fans a cinematic retelling of his rise to fame. Much of the attention has centered on Jaafar Jackson’s performance, which many viewers have praised for capturing his uncle’s mannerisms, voice and stage presence.