Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has become the highest-grossing biographical film of all time, earning $977 million at the worldwide box office and surpassing Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer'. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film traces Jackson's life from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global music icon.
Box Office Milestone
Released in April, 'Michael' opened with a strong global debut and continued to attract audiences across international markets. Its worldwide earnings of $977 million overtook 'Oppenheimer', which previously held the record for highest-grossing biographical film. The achievement also extends its lead over previous music biopics like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Straight Outta Compton', making it both the biggest musical biopic and the most successful biographical feature ever released.
Cast and Performance
A major talking point has been the casting of Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's real-life nephew, in the lead role. His performance has received praise from many viewers, who highlight his resemblance to the late singer and his recreation of Jackson's signature performances, dance routines, and stage presence. Colman Domingo and Nia Long portray Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson.
Lionsgate's Biggest Hit
The film is also the most successful release in Lionsgate's history, overtaking 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'. Its box office performance is particularly notable because it exceeded that of 'Oppenheimer', a film that benefited from the hugely successful 'Barbenheimer' cultural phenomenon during its 2023 theatrical run.
Mixed Critical Reception
While audiences have embraced the film, critical opinion has been more divided. Several reviewers praised its large-scale musical sequences and faithful recreation of iconic performances. However, others criticized the production for presenting what they described as a sanitized account of Jackson's life. Much of the criticism centered on the absence of detailed exploration of the long-running child sexual abuse allegations that surrounded the singer before his death in 2009. Reports indicated that references to those allegations were removed following legal complications involving a historical non-disclosure agreement.
Audience Response and Music Revival
Despite the mixed critical reception, audience response has remained overwhelmingly positive. Viewer ratings on major review aggregation platforms have significantly outperformed critics' scores, reflecting strong support from Jackson's global fan base. The film has also generated renewed interest in Jackson's music catalogue. Following its release, streaming numbers increased substantially across multiple platforms. His songs have climbed streaming charts, with classics such as 'Billie Jean' attracting millions of additional plays. Compilation albums have also enjoyed renewed commercial success, introducing Jackson's music to younger listeners while encouraging longtime fans to revisit his extensive catalogue.
Future Plans
Industry reports suggest that Lionsgate plans to continue exploring Jackson's life on screen, with at least one additional film expected to follow.
