'Michael' Crosses $1 Billion Worldwide, Becomes Lionsgate's Highest-Grossing Film Ever

The musical biopic 'Michael' has officially crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office, becoming the first film in Lionsgate's history to achieve the milestone.

The film reached the landmark after 12 weekends in theatres, making it only the second Hollywood release of 2026 to enter the coveted billion-dollar club. Along with setting a new record for Lionsgate, Michael has also become the highest-grossing biographical film ever released worldwide.

Key Highlights

• Michael has surpassed $1 billion at the global box office.
• It is the first Lionsgate film to cross the billion-dollar milestone.
• The film has become Lionsgate's highest-grossing movie of all time.
• Jaafar Jackson stars as Michael Jackson in his feature film debut.
• Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King have achieved career-best box office records.

'Michael' Sets New Box Office Record for Lionsgate

The worldwide success of Michael marks a historic moment for Lionsgate, with the studio achieving its first-ever billion-dollar theatrical release.

The film has now overtaken The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which previously held the studio's highest-grossing record with $865.2 million worldwide.

According to the latest box office figures:

• Domestic Collection: $371.8 million
• International Collection: $629.8 million
• Worldwide Total: Over $1 billion

The film's strong performance in international markets, particularly Japan, played a crucial role in helping it cross the historic milestone.

Japan and Overseas Markets Drive Global Success

Japan, one of Michael Jackson's strongest international fan bases, contributed significantly to the film's latest box office achievement.

Distributed in Japan by Kino, the film has earned $35.75 million in the country so far.

In addition to Japan, Michael continues to generate revenue across several international territories, further strengthening its worldwide earnings.

Highest-Grossing Biopic of All Time

With its latest box office milestone, Michael has become the highest-grossing biographical film in global cinema history.

The film has surpassed the worldwide earnings of:

• Oppenheimer – $975.8 million
• Bohemian Rhapsody – $911 million

The achievement also makes Michael producer Graham King's biggest commercial success to date.

Career Milestone for Director Antoine Fuqua

The film has also become the biggest commercial success of director Antoine Fuqua's career.

It comfortably surpasses the worldwide earnings of his previous highest-grossing film, King Arthur, which earned approximately $203 million globally.

Reacting to the achievement, Fuqua thanked audiences around the world for embracing the film and described the milestone as a celebration of the dedication shown by the cast, crew, and production team.

He also said the film's success highlights the enduring ability of cinema to connect audiences across generations and cultures.

Cast and Crew of 'Michael'

The film stars Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut, portraying his late uncle, Michael Jackson.

The ensemble cast includes:

• Jaafar Jackson
• Nia Long
• Juliano Valdi
• Laura Harrier
• Mike Myers
• Miles Teller
• Colman Domingo

The film is:

• Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
• Written by: John Logan
• Produced by: Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain

Why This Box Office Milestone Matters

Crossing the $1 billion mark is one of the most significant achievements in global cinema.

For Lionsgate, Michael represents a historic breakthrough, becoming the studio's biggest commercial success to date. The film's performance also highlights the enduring global appeal of Michael Jackson's legacy and the continued audience demand for high-profile musical biopics.

As the film continues its theatrical run in several markets, its worldwide earnings are expected to climb even higher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much has Michael earned worldwide?

Michael has crossed $1 billion at the global box office after 12 weekends in theatres.

Q2. Is Michael Lionsgate's highest-grossing film?

Yes. It is now Lionsgate's highest-grossing film ever and the studio's first billion-dollar theatrical release.

Q3. Who plays Michael Jackson in the film?

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, portrays the legendary singer in his feature film debut.

Q4. Who directed Michael?

The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan.

Q5. Which previous records has Michael broken?

The film has surpassed The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as Lionsgate's biggest film and overtaken Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing biopic worldwide.