Michael biopic surges in Japan, on track for $1 billion global box office

The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" opened limited previews in Japan, grossing $700,000 across 62 IMAX venues with an average of more than $11,000 per theater. The strong early performance puts the film on course to become the first music biopic to reach a $1 billion worldwide total. To date the movie has earned nearly $800 million globally, including $468 million overseas and $319 million in the United States, and it already posted the biggest domestic opening ever for a music biopic.

At the same time, Netflix released the three‑part documentary "Michael Jackson: The Verdict," directed by Nick Green. The series revisits the singer’s 2003 police raid on his California estate, the 2005 criminal trial in Santa Maria, and the subsequent verdict, featuring testimony from jurors, accusers and defenders. The documentary provides a detailed look at the legal battles that shaped Jackson’s legacy.