A king has reclaimed his throne, not just in music, but in the history books of cinema.
“Michael,” the highly anticipated film centered on Michael Jackson, has officially become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time. The film surged past the $910 million global benchmark previously held by “Bohemian Rhapsody,” cementing its place in cinema history and proving the enduring global fascination with the King of Pop.
A Record-Breaking Box Office Run
From its opening weekend, “Michael” proved it would be a force.
The film debuted with more than $40 million domestically on its first day, surpassing “Oppenheimer” for the biggest opening day ever for a biopic. It also raced to $500 million faster than any film in the genre, setting a new pace for musical biopics worldwide.
By contrast, “Michael” is on track to nearly triple those early benchmarks — and could potentially become the first biopic to cross the $1 billion mark globally.
‘Michael’ Dominates Global Markets
GettyThe film’s success isn’t limited to North America. International audiences have turned “Michael” into a worldwide phenomenon.
In France and the United Kingdom, the film delivered record-setting opening days for a musical biopic, each pulling in approximately $2.6 million. Meanwhile, in markets like Italy and Brazil, “Michael” dominated ticket sales, capturing more than 70% of total box office share on its first day.
The film has also maintained the No. 1 spot in multiple territories for consecutive weeks, showing remarkable staying power. Premium formats, including IMAX and large-screen experiences, have further boosted ticket sales, driving higher per-theater averages globally.
Jaafar Jackson’s Breakout Moment
A major driver behind the film’s unstoppable momentum is the electrifying performance of Jaafar Jackson. The uncanny portrayal of his famous uncle has resonated strongly in the hearts of audiences.
His performance has sparked viral conversations online, with fans praising both his physical transformation and emotional depth. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have amplified the buzz through dance challenges and clips inspired by Jackson’s most iconic moves.
The film’s explosive viral energy has sparked endless re-watches, adding to its legendary reign over the box office.
Critics vs. Audiences: A Divided Response
Despite its commercial success, “Michael” has sparked debate among critics and audiences.
While critics have offered mixed reviews — with some pointing to a largely celebratory portrayal of Jackson’s early life — audience reactions tell a different story. Viewer scores have continued to climb, creating one of the widest gaps between critic and audience reception seen in a major biopic.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film also underwent reported changes during post-production, including a rewrite to its third act.
What Comes Next for the Franchise
GettyWith its record-breaking success, industry chatter has already turned to what’s next.
While biopics rarely receive sequels, there is growing speculation that a follow-up could explore the later chapters of Michael Jackson’s life. No official announcement has been made, but the film’s performance has opened the door to possibilities rarely seen in the genre.
For now, “Michael” stands alone at the top — a cultural and commercial triumph that reinforces one thing: the King of Pop’s legacy is as powerful as ever.
