Michael, the biographical film tracing the life of Michael Jackson, has become the highest-grossing biopic of all time, surpassing Oppenheimer at the global box office. The film has earned 977.4 million dollars worldwide — roughly R16 billion — edging past Oppenheimer’s 975 million dollar global haul, according to Variety.
It is a remarkable outcome for a film that opened with considerable scrutiny and expectation back in April, given the complexity of its subject and the family involvement at the centre of its production.
A role that stayed in the family
Michael Jackson is played by his own nephew, 29-year-old Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson. Jaafar was just 13 years old when his uncle died on 25 June 2009, and stepping into the role marks his breakout moment as a screen performer — a launch few actors could hope to match in scale or visibility.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film also features Nia Long, Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael, Miles Teller, Colman Domingo and Mike Myers. The story traces Jackson’s rise to stardom alongside his brothers, shaped by his father’s guidance and his mother’s care — a fuller picture of the family dynamics that shaped one of music’s most consequential careers.
The numbers behind the milestone
Michael opened in the US to 97 million dollars and 217 million dollars globally, before going on to gross 607.2 million dollars worldwide and 370.2 million dollars domestically in its initial release window. Those figures alone made it one of the strongest biopic openings in recent memory, but its staying power at the box office in the months since is what has ultimately carried it past Oppenheimer’s record.
For a genre that typically struggles to draw audiences back for repeat viewings once the initial wave of interest passes, Michael’s extended run is a notable achievement — and a clear signal of just how much pull Jackson’s story and music continue to hold worldwide.
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