‘Michael’ Moonwalks to $97 Million Opening, Shattering Record for Music Biopics

April 27, 2026

The biopic "Michael," chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, achieved an unprecedented opening weekend for music biopics with $97 million domestically and $217. 4 million globally, far exceeding industry predictions that initially ranged from $50-70 million. The film, co-produced by the Jackson estate and starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, overcame significant production challenges including expensive reshoots costing up to $50 million after legal issues forced filmmakers to remove content related to sexual abuse allegations.

Who is affected

Michael Jackson and the Jackson estate (subject and co-producer)
Lionsgate studio and chairman Adam Fogelson
Universal (international distributor)
Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan
Jaafar Jackson (star of the film)
Janet Jackson and Paris Jackson (family members who opposed/were uninvolved)
Producer Graham King
Jordan Chandler (subject of removed content)
Movie audiences and critics
Other box office competitors including "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" and "Project Hail Mary"

What action is being taken

"Michael" is currently playing in theaters in the U.S., Canada, and international markets
The film is collecting box office revenue ($97 million domestic, $217.4 million globally in opening weekend)
A sequel is in development
Lionsgate is selling international distribution rights to Universal
Critics are reviewing and audiences are rating the film

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a major financial success for music biopics, breaking previous records and demonstrating that controversial biographical subjects can still generate massive box office returns despite critical backlash and production difficulties. The film's success shows audiences are willing to embrace an authorized, sanitized version of Jackson's story that avoids sexual abuse allegations, which has broader implications for how Hollywood handles problematic cultural figures. The nearly $200 million production cost and subsequent success also validates Lionsgate's risky investment and could influence future decisions about greenlighting expensive biographical films about controversial figures.

What's next

A sequel is in development
A third film is under consideration (described as "not inconceivable")
Final domestic box office figures will be released Monday
"The Devil Wears Prada 2" launches later this week, starting the summer movie season

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint