Despite facing mixed reviews, tough competition, late rewrites, and legal challenges, the Jackson family movie “Michael” has emerged as the top-grossing biopic ever. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film has now raked in $977 million at the global box office, surpassing the previous record set by “Oppenheimer” in 2025. It had already outperformed “Bohemian Rhapsody” earlier in June to become the highest-grossing musical biopic and Lionsgate Films’ most successful movie, overtaking “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”
“Michael” chronicles the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, portrayed by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to the peak of his career with hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” Notably, the film avoids addressing the allegations of child sexual abuse against Michael Jackson, which surfaced after his death in 2009. Fuqua had initially planned to include a scene depicting a police raid on Neverland ranch in 1993 but ultimately scrapped it due to legal agreements with the Jackson estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused the singer of molesting him as a teenager.
The theatrical version of the film concludes in 1988, steering clear of the controversies surrounding Jackson’s later years. Despite criticisms regarding the omission of key aspects of Jackson’s life, the film’s reshoots, which reportedly cost up to $50 million, were funded by the estate. While Jackson consistently denied the abuse allegations and was acquitted in a 2005 trial, the film’s portrayal drew backlash from some quarters for allegedly distorting the singer’s legacy.
Apart from the contentious subject matter, “Michael” faced backlash for its storytelling and pacing, with some reviewers deeming the plot superficial and the character portrayal overly simplistic. However, others praised Jaafar Jackson’s performance and noted a surge in Michael Jackson’s music streams following the film’s release. Despite modest opening weekend projections, the film exceeded expectations and has maintained its box office dominance, hinting at a potential sequel exploring Jackson’s later life.
The film’s success underscores the enduring appeal of Michael Jackson’s music and persona, even amid ongoing debates about his legacy.