Michael Biopic Grosses $300M, Sequel Discussed

The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" has achieved record-breaking box office success since its April 2026 release, grossing more than $300 million worldwide by early May and surpassing "Elvis" as the second-highest-grossing musical biopic ever. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson confirmed discussions for a sequel, stating, "Look, there's at least one more movie," amid the film's strong audience performance.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, the $150 million to $200 million production traces the singer's career from his Jackson 5 days in the 1960s through the 1988 "Bad" tour. Supporting cast includes Colman Domingo as father Joe Jackson, Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as manager John Branca. Producers Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain collaborated with the Jackson estate. The film opened to $217 million to $218 million globally, the largest debut for a musical biopic, with North America contributing $129.8 million in its first week and international markets adding $169.3 million. Projections estimate totals exceeding $700 million.

Audience turnout has remained robust despite...