Highlights:
- Michael earns $217M globally, biggest biopic opening ever
- Jaafar Jackson stars as the King of Pop
- Audience scores far higher than critics
- Film avoids major controversies from Jackson’s life
- Jackson’s global legacy continues to drive massive interest
The musical biopic Michael has taken the global box office by storm, delivering a record-breaking opening weekend and proving the lasting appeal of Michael Jackson. The film earned an impressive $217 million worldwide within days of release, including $97 million in North America and over $120 million internationally. This makes it the biggest opening weekend ever for a biopic, surpassing films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer.
At the center of the film is Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, who plays the lead role. His performance has been widely praised, especially by audiences, for capturing the energy and presence of the legendary performer. The film uses Jackson’s original vocals, adding authenticity to its many musical sequences.
Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate, highlighted the film’s broad appeal, saying: "You don't deliver this figure unless you're seeing huge numbers across every conceivable demographic. [Audiences] are clearly having a blast."
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 38 per cent critics score but a striking 97 per cent audience rating, showing a clear divide between professional reviewers and general viewers.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film focuses heavily on Jackson’s rise to fame, his performances, and his complex relationship with his father, Joseph Jackson. The production itself was massive, with a reported budget of around $200 million, making it one of the most expensive biopics ever made.
Why Michael Jackson is still famous after 17 years
More than a decade after he died in 2009, Michael Jackson’s influence remains unmatched in the world of music and entertainment. Known as the “King of Pop,” he created some of the most iconic songs in history, including Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat It, and Smooth Criminal. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time.
Jackson’s global appeal continues to drive massive interest in projects like Michael. His music, dance style, and visual storytelling changed the industry, making him one of the most recognizable figures worldwide. Even today, his performances, such as the 1993 Super Bowl halftime show, are remembered as defining moments in pop culture.
Kendrick Sampson, Adam Fogelson, Chairman, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Deon Cole, Colman Domingo, Juliano Valdi, Antoine Fuqua, Mike Myers, Jaafar Jackson, Larenz Tate, Laura Harrier, Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Graham King, Miles Teller, Jon Feltheimer, CEO, Lionsgate Entertainment and Lydia Silverman attend Lionsgate's "Michael" Los Angeles premiere at Dolby Theatre on April 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.Getty Images
The success of the film also reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where musical biopics have become reliable box office hits. Over the past decade, films about artists like Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Elvis Presley, and Whitney Houston have drawn large audiences.
For many fans, Michael offers a chance to relive the artist’s greatest moments on the big screen. The film leans into this nostalgia, recreating concerts and highlighting his musical genius, which continues to resonate across generations.
What controversial topics were not covered, and why
While Michael celebrates the singer’s achievements, it has also faced criticism for what it leaves out. The film does not include any mention of the child sexual abuse allegations that were made against Michael Jackson during the 1990s and 2000s.
Jackson consistently denied these allegations and was found not guilty in a 2005 trial. However, the absence of these issues in the film has led some critics to describe it as a “sanitized” version of his life.
Originally, filmmakers planned to include references to these controversies, particularly those involving Jordan Chandler. However, a major legal obstacle changed those plans. A previously undisclosed non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between Jackson and the Chandler family included a clause preventing the singer’s estate from mentioning him in any film.
This discovery forced the production team to make major changes. Director Antoine Fuqua described the situation as challenging, saying it led to a "tough period" where the team had to "rethink everything".
As a result, large portions of the film were cut, and expensive reshoots were conducted. The final version of Michael now ends in 1988, before any of the allegations surfaced. This shift allowed filmmakers to focus entirely on Jackson’s rise and peak years.
Screenwriter John Logan explained the creative decision, stating: "Michael is a complicated person, people have complicated opinions, and that’s fine. We chose to tell the uplifting story of his triumph in the movie, and that’s what we did.”
The film also avoids depicting Jackson’s later life, including his death in 2009, which was ruled a homicide caused by acute intoxication of propofol and lorazepam. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
By focusing only on Jackson’s early success, Michael presents a version of his life centered on talent, fame, and artistic achievement. While this approach has drawn criticism, it has not stopped the film from becoming a massive commercial success.
