Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to captivate global audiences, as evidenced by the strong box office performance of the 2026 biopic Michael. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, the film opened in U.S. Theaters on April 24, 2026, to robust early returns that surpassed industry projections. According to Deadline, the film grossed $12.6 million in domestic previews alone, setting the stage for a powerful opening weekend.
By the end of its first full week of release, Michael had accumulated a global cume of $44.3 million, with $12.6 million coming from domestic markets and $31.7 million from international territories. The film’s international rollout included key markets such as France, the UK & Ireland, Mexico, Italy, Brazil, and China, where it opened to strong reception. In France, the film earned $1.4 million on its second day, bringing its running cume to $3.9 million and securing the No. 1 box office position ahead of Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer at comparable points in their runs.
The UK & Ireland contributed $1.6 million on the same day, pushing its total to $4.1 million and maintaining its top-spot ranking. Mexico grossed $1 million on its opening day, reaching a running total of $2.7 million, while Italy earned $816,000 on its second day for a cume of $2.1 million. Brazil and China also showed strong early traction, with Brazil grossing $782,000 on its opening day and China contributing $1.5 million in its debut frame.
These figures reflect a notable achievement for a film with a reported production budget between $165 million and $200 million. Despite facing pre-release criticism related to its handling of sensitive aspects of Jackson’s life—including the removal of references to the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations following a legal discovery—the film has resonated with audiences worldwide. The revisions, which included reshoots in June 2025, were made after a clause was discovered in a legal settlement, prompting a revision of the third act.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring reimagined versions of Jackson’s iconic tracks such as “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Black or White,” has been highlighted as a major draw. Composed by Lior Rosner, the score blends nostalgic elements with contemporary arrangements to underscore key moments in Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to the peak of his solo career during the Bad tour era.
Jaafar Jackson, making his film acting debut as his uncle, has received particular attention for his portrayal. His performance has been described by critics as both authentic and emotionally resonant, capturing the vocal mannerisms and stage presence that defined Michael Jackson’s artistry. Supporting performances from Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo have also contributed to the film’s narrative depth.
Produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain under the banners of Lionsgate Films, GK Films, and Optimum Productions, Michael was distributed domestically by Lionsgate and internationally by Universal Pictures. The film had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on April 10, 2026, before its wide U.S. Release two weeks later.
With a runtime of 127 minutes, Michael presents a focused narrative that spans Jackson’s involvement in the Jackson 5 during the 1960s to the late 1980s, concluding around the time of the Bad tour. The film does not cover the latter part of his life or the circumstances surrounding his death in 2009.
As the theatrical run continues, the film’s performance will be closely monitored for its ability to sustain momentum in a competitive spring box office landscape. Its early success suggests strong audience interest in music biopics, particularly those centered on globally influential artists.
The next official box office update is expected from Universal Pictures in late April 2026, following the conclusion of the film’s second weekend of release. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the film’s performance and portrayal of Michael Jackson’s legacy in the comments below.