**Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Surpasses $1 Billion at Box Office**
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The much-anticipated biopic chronicling the life of pop legend Michael Jackson, simply titled ‘Michael’, has achieved a significant milestone, grossing over $1 billion globally since its premiere on April 24, 2026. This remarkable feat marks Lionsgate’s first film to reach such a financial landmark and positions it as a significant contender in the realm of biographical films.

Starring Jaafar Jackson, the late pop icon’s nephew, the film has resonated well with audiences, reflecting the enduring legacy of one of the music industry’s most notable figures. Following its release, the film has grossed an impressive $371.8 million in the domestic market and $629.8 million internationally. Its debut weekend alone saw it earning approximately $314 million, setting a strong precedent for its ongoing success.
In June 2026, ‘Michael’ made headlines by surpassing the 2018 hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, becoming the highest-grossing music biopic, with a worldwide earning of $911.9 million. This surpassing of previous records continued as the film outperformed the biopic ‘Oppenheimer’, with its overall earnings now standing at $1 billion, eclipsing Oppenheimer’s $975.8 million. Such accomplishments underscore the film’s impact on both the box office and the biopic genre.
Prior to ‘Michael’, Lionsgate’s highest-grossing venture was ‘Catching Fire’, the sequel to ‘The Hunger Games’, which concluded its run with $865.2 million in earnings. The current success of ‘Michael’ not only sets a new benchmark for the studio but also showcases its abilities to produce commercially successful films that resonate with audiences.
In addition to Jaafar Jackson, who takes on the leading role, the cast includes talents such as Nia Long, who portrays Katherine Jackson, and Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, the patriarch who managed Michael and his siblings during their rise to fame with the Jackson 5. The film also features Juliano Krue Valdi as a younger version of Michael, alongside actors Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and Mike Myers in key supporting roles.
Lionsgate has described the film as an “honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated” life of Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 50. The film seeks to provide audiences with a nuanced perspective of the man behind the name, seeking to balance his immense talent with the complexities of his personal life.
Currently, ‘Michael’ continues to attract viewers in cinemas across the UK and beyond, affirming Michael Jackson’s status as an enduring cultural icon. As the film continues to break records and capture hearts, it looks set to remain a topic of conversation in both film and music circles for months to come.
As the second film released in 2026 to achieve the $1 billion milestone, following ‘Super Mario Galaxy’, ‘Michael’ serves as a testament to the power of music biopics in today’s cinematic landscape. With the film still playing in theatres, it will be interesting to see how far its box office success will extend in the future.
Overall, ‘Michael’ not only highlights the legacy of its titular character but also proves that stories of musical icons can resonate deeply with audiences around the globe.
