In Nigeria, the film grossed N123.2 million within just three days of release, according to early cinema reports. The film reportedly earned N111.6 million on its opening day alone, before climbing to its full weekend total between April 24 and 26. The performance is particularly notable as the movie was not screened by Filmhouse Group, one of West Africa’s largest cinema chains.
Global debut crosses $200 million mark in days
Internationally, Michael also delivered a blockbuster opening, pulling in an estimated $218.8 million worldwide. Of that figure, $97.2 million came from North America, while $121.6 million was generated from other territories.
Reports indicate that the film recouped more than its $200 million production budget within 48 hours of release, placing it among the fastest-earning biopics in modern box office history.
It has also set new records, becoming the biggest global opening ever for a music biopic, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody. In North America, it reportedly posted the strongest debut ever for a biographical film, outperforming the opening figures of Oppenheimer.
A costly production with a turbulent final act
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film traces Jackson’s journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his global superstardom in the 1980s.
The production, backed by producer Graham King, began after securing rights to Jackson’s life story in 2019. Filming took place between January and May 2024, following delays linked to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
The cast includes Jaafar Jackson as the adult Michael Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of the music legend. Supporting roles feature actors such as Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, and Mike Myers.
However, the film underwent significant restructuring during post-production. Legal sensitivities reportedly led to the removal of references to the 1993 child abuse allegations, forcing additional reshoots and a rewritten final act in 2025.
Mixed critical reception despite commercial success
While Michael has dominated the box office, critical response has been mixed. Many reviewers praised Jaafar Jackson’s performance, noting his resemblance and emotional delivery, while others argued that the film softened or avoided controversial aspects of Jackson’s life.
The biopic premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, before its U.S. release on April 24. Despite ongoing debate, it is currently ranked among the six highest-grossing films of 2026, cementing its status as one of the year’s most commercially successful releases so far.