Led by Jaafar Jackson, the Michael Jackson Biopic Has Surpassed “Oppenheimer” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” While Setting a New Record for Lionsgate
The “Michael” movie has officially crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the first biographical film in history to reach the landmark.
Led by Jaafar Jackson in his acting debut, the Michael Jackson biopic has earned approximately $371.9 million domestically and $629.8 million internationally. That brings its worldwide total to more than $1.001 billion.
The achievement makes “Michael” the highest-grossing biopic and musical biopic ever released, further demonstrating the lasting global influence of the King of Pop.
The film has now passed the worldwide totals of two of Hollywood’s most successful biographical dramas.
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” the 2018 film about Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, earned about $911 million globally. Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” later raised the bar for biographical films with approximately $975 million worldwide.
“Michael” has now surpassed both films while becoming Lionsgate’s first billion-dollar release.
The movie also overtook “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” which earned about $865 million, and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2,” which finished with approximately $850 million, to become Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film.
Record-Setting Opening Fueled Historic Run
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” opened in theaters April 24 and immediately exceeded industry expectations.
The film debuted with more than $97.2 million in North America. Its worldwide opening reached approximately $217 million, setting a new opening-weekend record for a musical biopic.
Strong audience support and repeat ticket buyers helped the movie maintain momentum throughout the spring and summer, even as reviews from professional critics were mixed.
“Audiences have embraced the film from the beginning, turning it into a unique cultural phenomenon,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson said. “Their passion speaks to the enduring appeal of one of the greatest recording artists of all time.”
Fuqua also celebrated the achievement, crediting the audiences and artists who helped bring Jackson’s story to theaters.
“Reaching this extraordinary $1 billion milestone with ‘Michael’ is a deeply humbling moment,” Fuqua said. “This achievement belongs to everyone who came together to honor one of the greatest artists the world has ever known.”
Jaafar Jackson Makes History in Acting Debut
“Michael” stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, as the legendary entertainer. The role marks Jackson’s feature-film acting debut.
The cast also includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson and matriarch Katherine Jackson.
The film traces Michael Jackson’s journey from his childhood performances with the Jackson 5 to his emergence as one of the most successful and influential entertainers in music history.
With “Michael” joining the billion-dollar club, Jaafar Jackson has also become the first lead actor to make his film debut in a movie that earned more than $1 billion worldwide.
The milestone places “Michael” among the biggest global releases of 2026 and adds another record to the late singer’s decades-spanning legacy.
