Despite facing mixed reviews, strong competition, and challenges like late rewrites and legal obstacles, the family biopic film “Michael” about the Jacksons has achieved the status of the highest-grossing biopic ever made. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie has now raked in an impressive $977 million at the global box office, surpassing the 2025 film “Oppenheimer” to claim this record over the weekend. “Michael” had already outperformed the musical biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” by amassing more than $911 million by mid-June, making it the top-grossing musical biopic. Additionally, it has become Lionsgate Films’ most successful movie, surpassing the 2013 film “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”
The storyline of “Michael” follows the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, portrayed by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, from his early days performing with the Jackson 5 to the peak of his career with hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” Notably, the film steers clear of addressing the allegations of child sexual abuse that were leveled against Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009.
Director Fuqua originally intended to incorporate these accusations into the script, including a scene depicting a police search at Neverland Ranch in 1993. However, due to undisclosed legal agreements between the Jackson estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of sexual misconduct, these segments were removed after being filmed. The film concludes in 1988, before any public allegations were made against Jackson, following extensive reshoots that reportedly cost up to $50 million, funded by the estate.
Critics and audiences alike have voiced concerns about the film’s portrayal of Michael Jackson, with some accusing it of glossing over key aspects of his life to present a sanitized version for newer generations. Despite the controversy, “Michael” has garnered strong box office numbers, exceeding initial projections and setting records for music biopics. The success of the film has led to speculations about a potential sequel exploring later stages of Jackson’s life.
