Michael Jackson Biopic Shatters Box Office Records, Sets New Global Milestone

The “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, has once again taken center stage—this time on the big screen. The biographical film Michael, based on his life, has set a new global record by earning $314 million worldwide in its opening week.

Released on April 24, the film achieved an impressive $97 million domestically and $217 million internationally, marking a historic debut. With this achievement, Michael has surpassed Straight Outta Compton to become the highest-grossing opening for a music biopic.

The film has also secured the second-largest opening of 2026 so far, trailing only The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film stars Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role. The younger version of Michael is portrayed by Juliano Krue Valdi, while Colman Domingo plays his father, Joe Jackson.

The cast also includes Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and Mike Myers in key roles.

Produced with the support of Michael Jackson’s family, the film highlights the life and legacy of the legendary artist, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 50.

For comparison, the highest-grossing music biopic to date remains Bohemian Rhapsody with $910 million, while the most successful biopic overall is Oppenheimer, which earned $975 million globally.