Despite facing lukewarm reviews, tough competition, and various challenges including last-minute script changes and legal obstacles, the Jackson family biopic, “Michael,” has emerged as the most commercially successful biographical film to date. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie has raked in a staggering $977 million in global box office revenue, surpassing the previous record-holder, “Oppenheimer,” from 2025. It had already claimed the top spot as the highest-grossing musical biopic, outperforming “Bohemian Rhapsody” with its $911 million earnings by June. Additionally, “Michael” now stands as Lionsgate Films’ top-grossing production, surpassing the success of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”
The storyline of “Michael” chronicles the life of iconic pop star Michael Jackson, portrayed in his adult years by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson. The narrative follows Jackson from his early days performing with the Jackson 5 to the peak of his career, marked by hit songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.”
Notably, the film omits any exploration or mention of the sexual abuse allegations that plagued Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009. Initially, the script aimed to address these allegations, with a scene planned to depict Jackson being searched by the police during the 1993 raid on Neverland Ranch. However, due to undisclosed legal agreements between the Jackson estate and accuser Jordan Chandler, these segments were ultimately removed and reworked during production.
Critics highlighted the film’s pacing and storytelling as areas of concern, with some labeling the plot as superficial and criticized its simplistic portrayal of Jackson. Despite the mixed reviews, Jaafar Jackson’s performance received praise from publications like the Hollywood Reporter and Deadline for his portrayal of his late uncle. Following the release of “Michael,” there was a substantial increase in streaming numbers for Michael Jackson’s music.
Initial projections for the film’s opening weekend box office performance were modest, but “Michael” significantly exceeded expectations, raking in almost $100 million in the U.S. and Canada. The film’s success has continued, leading to discussions about a potential sequel focusing on later stages of Michael Jackson’s life, as hinted by director Antoine Fuqua and Lionsgate.