The biographical film “Michael,” centered on the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has surpassed “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the highest-grossing musical biopic to date. Starring Jaafar Jackson and directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie has garnered an impressive $911.9 million globally, with its release in Japanese theaters kicking off today.
Anticipation is high for “Michael” as it aims to potentially cross the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office, a feat only achieved by Universal’s “Super Mario Galaxy Movie” in 2026. Producer Graham King, known for the success of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” has already broken his own box office records with “Michael.”
The film features Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s 29-year-old nephew, who makes his debut portraying his late uncle. Jaafar, endorsed by Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, was selected after an extensive two-year search. “Michael” chronicles key events in Jackson’s life, from his early days in The Jackson 5 to his solo stardom, including milestones like the creation of the iconic “Thriller” album.
In its journey to cinemas, “Michael” faced challenges, including $50 million in reshoots due to screenplay issues flagged by the Jackson estate. Despite initial intentions to portray Jackson’s complexities, the film leans more towards celebrating his musical achievements and family dynamics rather than focusing on controversies.
With a domestic box office collection of $358.6 million and an international revenue of $553.3 million, “Michael” has made a significant impact, with Universal acquiring foreign rights generating $540.5 million. In comparison, “Bohemian Rhapsody” earned $216.6 million domestically and $694.3 million overseas.
“Michael” has broken numerous box office records, showcasing its immense success.