Los Angeles, April 27, 2026 – The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has stormed the box office, earning a staggering $314 million worldwide in its debut weekend, marking the biggest opening ever for a biographical film.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, the film hit theaters on April 24. It pulled in $97 million domestically and $217 million from international markets, surpassing previous records held by films like Oppenheimer ($174 million debut) and Bohemian Rhapsody.
In India, Michael performed strongly despite competition from local releases. The musical earned ₹5.50 crore net on its opening day, including paid previews, and crossed ₹15-16 crore net by Sunday, according to early estimates. This marks the best start for a musical biopic in the Indian market.
The film’s success comes amid mixed critical reviews but strong audience approval, with a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, featuring high-energy performances of hits like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” drew fans back to theaters.
Producer Graham King praised the milestone. “Michael’s legacy lives on through this film. The global response shows his music still unites people,” King said in a statement. Trade analyst Ramesh Bala noted, “The $200 million budget is already on track for quick recovery, driven by nostalgia and Jaafar’s spot-on resemblance.”
Audiences raved about the visuals and soundtrack. “It felt like Michael was back on stage. Worth every penny,” tweeted fan Priya S from Mumbai. In Hyderabad, local theater chains reported packed houses over the weekend.
The biopic covers Jackson’s life from child stardom to global icon status, addressing controversies while celebrating his artistry. With a $200 million production cost, its explosive start positions it to challenge Bohemian Rhapsody‘s all-time biopic earnings record.
This triumph underscores the enduring appeal of music legends at the box office, boosting Hollywood’s 2026 slate and Jaafar Jackson’s rising stardom. As word-of-mouth spreads, Michael eyes prolonged success worldwide.
