The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has officially surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the second-highest-grossing biopic of all time, amassing $911.9 million globally and now sitting just $22.9 million behind Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, the current record-holder at $920.8 million worldwide. The Lionsgate film, which debuted on April 24, 2026, grossed $23.1 million in its seventh weekend and is now racing toward the billion-dollar milestone.
Trailing only Oppenheimer, Michael leads the way for Antoine Fuqua’s thriller starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop.
Can Michael Become the First Biopic to Reach $1 Billion?
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael/ Credits:- Glen Wilson/Lionsgate
The film’s final overseas market, Japan, premiered on June 12, 2026, through local distributor Kino in collaboration with Lionsgate, potentially adding $57 million to the total (21% of the Sony release). Japan’s limited IMAX preview screenings across 62 theaters generated $395,000 in two days with stellar 4.2-star audience scores matching Bohemian Rhapsody‘s historic launch metrics. (Via DeckedoutMagzine)
Domestic box office stands at $354.2 million, while international earnings total $534.1 million. With Japan’s nationwide launch and the film’s consistent theatrical performance, analysts are predicting that Michael could unseat Oppenheimer (which crossed $975.8 million in September 2023) as the highest-grossing biopic in cinematic history and become the first to cross $1 billion.
The Michael Jackson biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson, had its official Japan premiere on June 4, 2026, at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills, alongside director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King, who also produced Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis. The estate-approved biopic shattered the record for the strongest opening weekend ever for a musical biopic with $97 million domestically. (Via Comicbasic.com)
Whether “Michael” reaches the billion-dollar mark remains the industry’s most compelling box office question as it continues its theatrical run. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
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