Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' surpasses $1 billion at global box office

The 2026 biographical film Michael, chronicling the rise of Michael Jackson from his Jackson 5 days to the 1988 Bad Tour, was released in April and is directed by Antoine Fuqua. It stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew, in his feature‑film debut. The movie has earned $1.001 billion worldwide – $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million in overseas markets – making it the first biopic ever to break the $1 billion barrier. It also became Lionsgate’s highest‑grossing release and the studio’s first billion‑dollar film. By overtaking Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer, it is now the top‑earning musical biopic and the highest‑grossing biographical picture based on a real person. Strong ticket sales were reported in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and especially Japan, where the film added $35 million. The success has prompted Lionsgate to confirm a sequel is in development.