Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' becomes highest‑grossing biopic ever

The Michael Jackson biopic titled "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring the singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, has become the top‑earning biographical film in history. The movie has grossed $977 million worldwide, overtaking Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" and surpassing previous music‑biopic record holder "Bohemian Rhapsody." The strong international response—particularly in Brazil, the United Kingdom and Japan—has kept the film on a trajectory toward the $1 billion milestone, making it Lionsgate’s most profitable release.

While audiences have responded enthusiastically, with a 97 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have accused the film of downplaying the controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, labeling it a “whitewash.” The production, backed by the Jackson estate, has also sparked discussion about narrative control and the use of original music recordings.