'Michael' breaks records with $314M global box office debut

The new biographical film Michael has opened to a powerful global box office debut, delivering one of the strongest launches of 2026 and rewriting records for the genre.

Released in theaters on April 24, the film has earned approximately $97 million domestically and $217 million internationally in its opening weekend, bringing its worldwide total to $314 million, according to industry estimates reported by Variety.

The result marks the biggest opening weekend ever for a music biopic, surpassing the previous record set by Straight Outta Compton.

The film’s performance also places it as the second-largest global debut of the year so far, behind only The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which opened with $131 million earlier in 2026.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael chronicles the rise of pop icon Michael Jackson from his early days with the Jackson 5 to global superstardom.

The title role is played by Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late singer, with younger versions portrayed by Juliano Krue Valdi.

The ensemble cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as attorney and manager John Branca.

Also featured are Laura Harrier as music producer Suzanne de Passe and Mike Myers as CBS Records executive Walter Yetnikoff.

The production received support from members of Jackson’s family and estate and explores both his artistic rise and the complex dynamics behind his career, which spanned from child stardom to global cultural dominance before his death in 2009 at age 50.

With its record-breaking debut, Michael now joins a strong lineup of 2026 box office performers, including Project Hail Mary, Hoppers, and Avatar: Fire and Ash, cementing its place as one of the year’s most commercially successful releases so far.

The film is currently playing in theaters worldwide.