29 June,2026 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nichael biopic (Pic/ A still from movie)
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has scripted box office history. Starring Jaafar Jackson in his acting debut, the film has become the highest-grossing biopic of all time, surpassing Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and Bohemian Rhapsody. The milestone also makes it the biggest musical biopic ever. The King of Pop was truly a global sensation, and the film's reception is a testament to his enduring legacy.
Jaafar Jackson-starrer Michael has become the highest-grossing biopic of all time, grossing USD 977 million at the worldwide box office, Variety reported. The Michael Jackson biopic has surpassed Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer to achieve the milestone.
Oppenheimer, the previous record-holder, earned USD 975 million globally, marking a remarkable total for an R-rated historical drama. Meanwhile, Michael has also become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, surpassing 2018's Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned USD 911 million worldwide.
Distributed by Lionsgate in the US and Universal in international markets, Michael has earned USD 607.2 million overseas and USD 370.2 million domestically since its release in April.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael follows the journey of pop icon Michael Jackson from his days with the Jackson 5 to becoming the King of Pop. The singer's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays Michael Jackson in his acting debut. Colman Domingo and Nia Long play his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. The project was developed with the support of several members of Jackson's family years after his death in 2009 at the age of 50.
According to the film's official description, Michael offers an "honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated" music icon. The story concludes in 1988, focusing on Jackson's rise to global superstardom and not covering the allegations that emerged in later years, People reported.
Besides setting the latest record, Michael is also Lionsgate's highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing 2013's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The studio is expected to greenlight another film on Jackson.
Michael Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his musical achievements broke American racial barriers and made him a dominant figure worldwide. He popularised street dance moves such as the moonwalk, the robot, and the anti-gravity lean.
