History as Michael Jackson movie becomes highest-grossing biopic of all time

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

The Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has made history by becoming the highest-grossing biographical film ever after surpassing Oppenheimer at the global box office.

The film has generated $977 million (£739 million) worldwide, ending Oppenheimer‘s reign as the most commercially successful biopic. Christopher Nolan’s 2023 blockbuster, which chronicled the life of American theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer, previously held the record.

Before reaching the latest milestone, Michael had already become the highest-grossing musical biopic after overtaking the 2018 Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael follows the life of the late American music icon from his early years as a member of the Jackson 5 to his rise as the globally celebrated King of Pop.

Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, stars as Michael Jackson, while Colman Domingo and Nia Long portray his parents.

The movie enjoyed a strong debut in April, earning $217 million worldwide during its opening week and outperforming previous music biopics, including Straight Outta Compton and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Its commercial success has also made it Lionsgate Studios’ highest-grossing film, overtaking The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, released in 2013.

The achievement is considered even more remarkable because Oppenheimer benefited from the viral “Barbenheimer” craze in 2023, when audiences flocked to cinemas to watch both Barbie and Oppenheimer following widespread internet memes surrounding their simultaneous release.

The film has attracted large audiences worldwide, with fans embracing its portrayal of Jackson’s childhood and its recreation of many of his iconic performances and music videos.

Jaafar Jackson also received widespread praise for his performance as his uncle.

However, the production has divided critics, many of whom described it as a “whitewash”, arguing that it presented a “sanitised” version of Jackson’s life and career.

Much of the criticism centred on the film’s decision not to address the sexual abuse allegations made against the late singer after a historic non-disclosure agreement (NDA) led to the removal of scenes referencing the claims.

The Hollywood Reporter said the feature “delivers for lifelong fans who cherish the music”, but the Telegraph noted that it “refuses to address the elephant in the room”. The Independent described it as a “ghoulish, soulless cash grab”.

Despite the critical reception, audiences have embraced the film, giving it significantly higher ratings than professional reviewers on review aggregation platforms, including Rotten Tomatoes.

The project is financially supported by Michael Jackson’s estate and features the late singer’s original vocals throughout its musical performances.

According to US publication Variety, Lionsgate plans to release at least one more film exploring Jackson’s life.

Beyond the box office, the movie has also boosted interest in Jackson’s music across major streaming platforms.

He has been the most-streamed artist on YouTube in the United Kingdom over the past month, recording roughly twice as many plays as Canadian rapper Drake.

His classic hit Billie Jean is currently the most-played song globally on Spotify.

Jackson also topped Spotify’s list of the UK’s most-streamed artists last month shortly after the film’s release and remained in third place at the time of reporting.

His compilation album, The Essential Michael Jackson, also reclaimed the number one position on the UK albums chart, pushing aside competition from Irish-language rap group Kneecap.

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