The King of Pop has reclaimed his throne at the global box office. ‘Michael’, the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, has officially made history by recording a staggering global opening of $217.4 million.
According to reports surfaced on May 1, 2026, this feat makes it the first music biopic in cinematic history to surpass the $200 million mark in its debut weekend, shattering previous records held by industry giants.
Shattering Biopic Records
The film’s performance has completely eclipsed previous record-holders in the genre. For years, Straight Outta Compton held the title for the highest domestic opening for a music biopic at $60.1 million, followed by the global phenomenon Bohemian Rhapsody with a $51 million worldwide start. Michael has more than quadrupled those figures, earning $97 million in the US and Canada alone. With Bohemian Rhapsody holding a lifetime collection of $910 million, trade analysts are now speculating whether Michael will become the first music biopic to enter the prestigious $1 Billion Club.
Critics vs. Fans: A Divided Reception
Despite its monumental financial success, the film has faced a polarized critical reception. While fans have flocked to theaters to witness Jaafar Jackson’s uncanny portrayal of his uncle, many critics have labeled the film a “sanitized” version of history. Media gave the film a 2-star rating, describing it as a “masterclass in sugar-coated, shallow biopics” that views the icon through “rose-tinted glasses.” However, veteran actors like Anupam Kher have come to the film’s defense, calling the journey “deeply moving” and urging audiences to judge the “journey, not just the moments.”
The Narrative: From Gary to Global Superstardom
Written by John Logan, the biopic traces the intricate life of Michael Jackson, starting from his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana. The narrative spans:
- The early years and the discipline of the Jackson 5.
- The breakout success of the ‘Off The Wall’ era.
- The stratospheric rise to fame following the release of ‘Thriller’.
- Personal struggles and the isolation that accompanied his “Global Legend” status.
The film concludes with the teaser, “The story continues…”, leading many to believe that a sequel is already in development to cover the later, more controversial years of the superstar’s life.