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Michael, the biographical film on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has become the first biopic in cinema history to surpass $1 billion at the global box office.

The film has grossed $1.001 billion worldwide, earning $629.8 million from international markets and $371.8 million in North America.

Released in April, Michael has emerged as one of the biggest box office successes of 2026 despite attracting mixed reviews and facing pre-release controversies. The film opened to $97 million domestically and $217 million globally, setting a record for the biggest opening weekend by a musical biopic.

The milestone also makes Michael the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, overtaking Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned $911 million worldwide. It has also surpassed Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing film based on a real-life figure.

The achievement marks a major milestone for Lionsgate, making Michael the studio’s highest-grossing film ever and its first release to cross the $1 billion mark.

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Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson attributed the film’s success to strong audience support, describing it as a global cultural phenomenon that reflects Michael Jackson’s enduring appeal and the continued strength of the theatrical movie experience.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film chronicles Jackson’s journey from his childhood with the Jackson 5 to his rise as the King of Pop. It stars Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, in his acting debut, alongside Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson.

Fuqua described the box office feat as a humbling achievement, thanking audiences, the cast and crew for helping bring Michael Jackson’s story to the big screen.

Michael is only the second film released in 2026 to surpass the $1 billion mark globally, after The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, with Toy Story 5 widely expected to become the third.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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