The King of Pop has set a new record - at least on the big screen. The biopic "Michael" about the life of Michael Jackson (1958-2009) has officially become the most successful music biopic of all time with a worldwide box office total of $911.9 million (approximately €788 million), according to "Deadline". The film has now surpassed the previous record holder "Bohemian Rhapsody" about Queen frontman Freddie Mercury (1946-1991).
For the producers and studios behind the film, this is a historic success. The lead role is played by Jaafar Jackson (29), a nephew of the late music star. The film was directed by Antoine Fuqua (61). With the theatrical release in Japan, the film could soon surpass the one billion dollar mark.
Graham King surpasses his own record
Of the $911.9 million earned so far, $358.6 million came from North America. An additional $553.3 million was earned internationally. For comparison: "Bohemian Rhapsody" reached approximately $910 million worldwide and held the record since its theatrical release in 2018.
Producer Graham King (64) is thus matching or even surpassing his own record. He was already responsible for "Bohemian Rhapsody", which won four Oscars and was considered the most successful music biopic in film history for years.
However, the path to success was not without obstacles. During production, the studio was forced to undertake extensive reshoots, which reportedly cost around $50 million. The trigger was a central storyline in the screenplay by John Logan (64). It involved one of Michael Jackson's accusers, whose story, according to agreements with the singer's estate, was not originally supposed to be depicted in the film. The changes caused considerable delays and additional costs.
Will "Michael" soon break the billion-dollar mark?
"Michael" is also the most successful theatrical film in Lionsgate's history and recorded the biggest worldwide opening weekend for a music biopic. With the theatrical release in Japan on June 12, the film now has the chance to cross the next magical milestone. Should "Michael" break the one billion dollar mark, it would be the second film of 2026 to achieve this feat, after "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie".
