The magic of Michael Jackson's music has once again bewitched audiences worldwide, as his biopic 'Michael' shatters box office records to become the highest-grossing music film ever. A staggering $911.9 million (approximately £680 million) is the new benchmark for this cinematic spectacle, eclipsing the previous record holder 'Bohemian Rhapsody', which raked in $910.9 million (around £679 million).
The achievement is a testament to Graham King's Midas touch as a producer, whose fingerprints are all over two of the biggest music biopics in recent memory. And what a thrilling ride 'Michael' has been, transporting viewers through the highs and lows of the King of Pop's extraordinary journey from his Jackson 5 days to the triumphant conclusion of his 'Bad World Tour'. Jaafar Jackson brings a captivating intensity to the title role, marking his debut as a major acting talent.
As if by magic, 'Michael' has conjured up yet another windfall with its recent Japanese release, poised to breach the $1 billion mark – an exclusive club so far occupied only by 2026's blockbuster hit 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'. It's no wonder Lionsgate is cooking up a sequel, with Adam Fogelson hinting that the next instalment won't necessarily follow the chronological thread from where the first film left off.
That brings up some tricky questions about how – or even if – the franchise will tackle the thorny issue of child sex abuse allegations made against Jackson. The original script reportedly tackled this topic but was rewritten after costly reshoots, following a legal agreement that prevented specific accusers from being named.
The mixed reviews from critics haven't dented 'Michael's' box office appeal, but they do raise doubts about how the franchise will navigate its more problematic aspects. NME gave it three stars, describing the film as "a slick, accessible advert for Jackson’s incredible imperial phase", while leaving an elephant in the room – or rather, on the horizon – with new trial dates set for 2028 involving James Safechuck and Wade Robson.