‘Michael’ biopic scores record-breaking $217M global opening

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Michael, the long-awaited biopic about the King of Pop, has stormed into cinemas with a global opening weekend of over $217 million. It is the largest opening in the history of a musical biopic — by a wide margin.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s own nephew, the film had industry analysts projecting a domestic opening of around $50-$60 million. What it actually delivered was $97 million domestically and $120 million internationally. The gap between expectation and reality is staggering.

A Record Built on Legacy

Before this weekend, the record for the biggest domestic opening for a music biopic belonged to Straight Outta Compton, which launched with $60.2 million back in 2015. Straight Outta Compton is about the formation of the well-known rap group NWA, their impact on the music industry, and the difficulties they faced as a group. Michael has surpassed that number. The Lionsgate biopic claimed the record for the biggest opening weekend ever for a musical biopic.

Overseas, the film is number one in 63 markets, where it has broken records in the music biopic genre, including the UK, Germany, France, Brazil, Australia, and South Asia. The world did not just show up. It showed up. Fans left the cinemas singing and dancing. The CinemaScore came in at an A−. Critics gave it just 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. The fans, however, gave the biopic their money.

The $200 Million Bet That Paid Off

This film was not cheap to make. The production carries a price tag of nearly $200 million, making it one of the most expensive biopics ever produced. Those costs were split by Lionsgate, Universal, which distributed the film internationally, and the Michael Jackson estate.

Behind the scenes, production hit real turbulence. Filming was delayed by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. There was also a legal discovery that forced a complete rework of the third act. Reshoots followed in 2025. Reports of chaos circulated. The studio held its nerve. And the gamble has already begun paying off in spectacular fashion.

If ticket sales surpass $700 million worldwide, as expected, Michael will land among Lionsgate’s biggest films of all time. Also, a sequel is reportedly already being explored

Jaafar Jackson Carries the Crown

At the center of all this is Jaafar Jackson. He is Michael’s nephew. He carries the performance. Even critics who panned the film agreed that the young man could move. Audiences have described him as a “clone” of his uncle. That authenticity is what made the experience feel real for many viewers.

The film leans heavily into recreating thrilling concert sequences. Musical numbers include “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It”, and this makes it a major draw in IMAX and premium large formats. IMAX accounted for $13.8 million, roughly 14% of North American ticket sales.

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson and Director Antoine Fuqua on the set of MICHAEL. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson for Lionsgate

The Controversy That Would Not Stay Quiet

The film does not address the sexual abuse allegations that surrounded Michael Jackson in life. The decision was made to spend tens of millions reworking the third act to avoid mention of the allegations of child sexual abuse that engulfed the King of Pop in scandal before his death in 2009.

Critics have noted that the final product presents a sanitized version of his story. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, had no involvement in the film and has described an earlier script as “sugar-coated.” Whether omitting that chapter is a moral failing or a commercial strategy or both is a debate the industry is still having.

What This Means for Black Hollywood

This film is not just a box office story. It is a cultural statement. Michael Jackson was one of the greatest artists the world has ever produced. He was a Black man from Gary, Indiana, who became the most famous entertainer on Earth. This biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua with a Black lead cast, has just made more money in a single weekend than most studios see in a quarter.

It came in nearly $30 million ahead of expectations and boasts the biggest domestic opening of all time for any biopic, passing even Oppenheimer. The story of the Jackson family is an American story. It is a Black story. And right now, the whole world is watching it.

Michael is now playing in theatres worldwide.

Main Image: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray in Michael. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson/Lionsgate

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