Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' becomes highest‑grossing musical film, nearing $1 billion

The new biopic "Michael," starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle Michael Jackson, has become the highest‑grossing musical film in history. It has earned $932.2 million worldwide, overtaking "Bohemian Rhapsody" and setting a $97 million opening weekend record in the United States – the best ever for a musical biopic.

More than 60 % of the revenue comes from markets outside North America. In Japan the film has collected ¥1.5 billion ($11.3 million), topping the local box‑office and projected to surpass "Oppenheimer" and "Wicked: Part 2" in the coming weeks. Analysts estimate the movie needs roughly $65 million more to cross the $1 billion milestone, a target it is expected to reach soon. Lionsgate has already confirmed plans for a sequel.