The biographical film Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle Michael Jackson, has opened with over $217 million at the box office.
The film was released in theaters worldwide on April 24, 2026, and has so far earned $217 million in its opening weekend, including $97 million in the United States and $120 million from international markets. These figures exceed pre-release projections of $150 million globally.
According to distributor Lionsgate, the performance represents the highest opening weekend for a biopic to date, surpassing the previous record held by Oppenheimer, which debuted with about $180 million worldwide. It is also the biggest opening for a music biopic, ahead of Straight Outta Compton, which opened with $60.2 million domestically.
The film’s early total places it within reach of the current highest-grossing music biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned $910.8 million globally. Michael has already made close to one-quarter of that figure within its first days in cinemas.
Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate’s film group, said:
“You don’t deliver this figure unless you’re seeing huge numbers across every conceivable demographic. Audiences are clearly having a blast.”
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film also features Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson, alongside Miles Teller and Nia Long in supporting roles. Within three days of release, it became the highest-grossing film of Fuqua’s career.
The story focuses on Jackson’s early life and rise to international fame, including his performances and family dynamics. The film concludes in 1988, before later controversies in the singer’s life. Fuqua said the production faced legal and structural challenges during development:
“All movies have different challenges, but this one was unique… we had to rethink everything.”
Critical response has been mixed. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes records a 38% score from critics, while audiences have responded more positively, giving the film a 97% approval rating and an A- CinemaScore. Some reviewers described the narrative as a simplified portrayal of Jackson’s life, while audience reactions have focused on the musical sequences and Jaafar Jackson’s performance.
The film has already recovered much of its reported $150–200 million production budget and is expected to remain in cinemas through the summer. Industry estimates suggest that sustained attendance could bring its domestic total toward $400 million, with further international releases, including Japan, still to come.
If the current pace continues, Michael may challenge both Bohemian Rhapsody as the highest-grossing music biopic and Oppenheimer, which holds the overall biopic record with $975.8 million worldwide.
