Michael Jackson Biopic Aims for $200M Opening

Antoine Fuqua's "Michael," a biopic chronicling the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, is poised for a significant global debut. Starring Jaafar Jackson as the lead, the film is currently tracking an impressive $200 million in its opening weekend, with $100 million from domestic markets and another $100 million internationally. This projection suggests it could be the first live-action film of 2026 to surpass this mark.

The film's production budget stands at approximately $170 million, including recent reshoot costs. To recoup its investment and break even, "Michael" needs to earn around $425 million globally, based on industry estimates. Looking ahead, potential for a sequel is already being discussed, but it would require the film to achieve a staggering $700 million in worldwide box office revenue.

For "Michael" to rank among the top five highest-grossing biopics of all time, it must surpass "The King's Speech," which earned $414.2 million globally. With its strong projected opening and potential for sustained audience interest, the film appears well-positioned to meet this ambitious goal. The final box office performance will become clear following its release on April 24, 2026.