Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' sets Japanese opening record and tops worldwide box‑office for music documentaries

The biographical film "Michael," chronicling the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, opened nationwide in Japan on 12 June 2026. The movie features 12‑year‑old Julián Valdi portraying a young Jackson and Jafar Jackson—Michael’s nephew—playing the adult Michael. An interview video with Valdi, subtitled in Japanese, has been released alongside the film’s promotion.

The opening day in Japan attracted 197,826 attendees and generated ¥31.8 million (US $0.31 million), establishing the highest debut for a biography film in the Japanese market. Globally, "Michael" has surpassed the previous record holder "Bohemian Rhapsody," earning about $912 million worldwide and becoming the top‑grossing music‑biopic to date. The U.S. trailer for the film set a new viewership benchmark, with over 111.5 million plays within 24 hours.

The production was overseen by Graham King and directed by Antoine Fouca, with a screenplay by John Logan. Additional cast includes Coleman Domingo as Joseph Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. The film is distributed by Kinofilm in Japan and supported by the Michael Jackson Foundation.