The biographical film Michael (2026), directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, has grossed $903 million worldwide since its April 2026 release, according to Wikipedia. The film, which covers Michael Jackson’s life from the Jackson 5 era to the late 1980s, is currently the second-highest-grossing film of 2026. Its commercial performance has cemented it as a major cultural event, drawing massive audiences despite a complex path to the screen that spanned nearly seven years of development and production.
Production and Financial Performance
Development for the project began in November 2019 after producer Graham King secured the rights to a film about the singer, with John Logan attached to write the script, according to Wikipedia. Lionsgate announced the film in February 2022, signaling a major push for the studio to capture the life story of the King of Pop. Following delays caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, which halted film productions across Hollywood for several months, principal photography finally occurred between January and May 2024.
The film’s total production budget reached $155–200 million after reshoots were conducted in June 2025. These revisions included the removal of references to 1993 child sexual abuse allegations following a legal settlement clause, as reported by Wikipedia. This strategic decision regarding the narrative scope reflects the influence of the estate in shaping the public-facing legacy of the artist.
As of June 14, 2026, Michael stands as the highest-grossing film in Lionsgate’s history and the second-highest-grossing biographical film of all time, according to Wikipedia. Forbes noted that the film faced considerable pressure to succeed due to the Jackson estate’s significant investment, with the estate standing to benefit as an equity partner. In the modern landscape of film distribution, such arrangements are increasingly common for major musical biopics, where the estate’s participation often provides access to master recordings and archival footage, which are essential for the authenticity of concert sequences and musical numbers.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
While the film achieved significant box office success, it received generally negative reviews from critics, holding a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, according to Forbes. Critics frequently described the narrative as “sanitized” while offering praise for the performance of lead actor Jaafar Jackson. Many professional reviewers pointed to the omission of later-life controversies as a missed opportunity to provide a more nuanced psychological portrait of the subject.
Conversely, audience reception has been notably stronger. The film holds a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This wide gap between critic and audience scores is a trend often observed in musical biopics that prioritize spectacle and musical catalog over investigative journalism or critical analysis of a subject’s personal life.
His liquid dance moves – highlighted as he teaches gang members the footwork in the ‘Beat It’ video − and soft-spoken cadence are studied to perfection. This is not about nepotism.
Industry Context and Distribution
The release strategy for Michael followed a standard theatrical-first window, which remains the gold standard for high-budget studio films. By securing a wide theatrical release in April 2026, Lionsgate aimed to capitalize on spring moviegoing habits before the onset of the competitive summer blockbuster season. The film’s record-breaking performance for the studio marks a significant milestone in Lionsgate’s recent output, effectively anchoring their 2026 fiscal year performance. The financial success of the film demonstrates the continued market viability of the musical biopic genre, which has seen a resurgence following the successes of films centered on figures like Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, and Elton John.
Home Viewing and Digital Release
Michael became available for digital purchase on June 9, 2026, across various video-on-demand platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and YouTube Movies & TV, according to Forbes and USA Today. The purchase price for the digital version is $24.99, with rental options available for approximately $19.99, according to USA Today. This transition to home viewing platforms allows the film to reach a secondary market of viewers who may have missed the theatrical run or wish to re-watch the elaborate musical recreations featured throughout the film.
Involvement of the Jackson Family
The film features Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, in the title role. His casting was a focal point of the production, as the studio sought to maintain a direct familial connection to the subject. Prince Jackson, the eldest son of Michael Jackson, served as an executive producer on the project, providing a level of endorsement from the immediate family. However, the production was not without internal friction. Other family members, including Paris Jackson, have expressed public opposition to the film. Paris Jackson has criticized the biopic on social media, alleging “inaccuracy” and “full-blown lies” within the project, according to Forbes. Janet Jackson does not appear in the film, nor was she involved in the production, highlighting the differing perspectives within the family regarding the commercialization and representation of Michael Jackson’s life story.
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