Michael biopic hits $1 billion worldwide box office

The Lionsgate biopic "Michael", chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, was directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew. Released in late April 2026, the film has earned about $1.001 billion globally, with approximately $371.8 million from the United States and Canada and $629.8 million from international markets.

It became the first biographical film to surpass the $1 billion mark, overtaking previous record‑holders such as "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Oppenheimer". The opening weekend generated $217 million, setting a new benchmark for music biopics. The milestone also marks the highest‑grossing release in Lionsgate’s history.

The unprecedented box‑office performance sparked extensive cultural discussion, with commentators noting the film’s ability to draw audiences worldwide despite mixed critical reviews. The success is expected to influence future biopic productions and has already prompted talks of a sequel exploring later chapters of Jackson’s life.