Antoine Fuqua’s biopic “Michael,” starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, has emerged as a significant cultural touchstone, not only for its record-breaking commercial success but also for the intense discussions it has reignited around Michael Jackson’s enduring legacy, the complexities of celebrity portrayal, and the evolving impact of music biopics.
Released in theaters on April 24, 2026, and subsequently available on premium video-on-demand by June 9, 2026, and then exclusively on Starz from August 10, 2026, “Michael” quickly ascended to unprecedented commercial heights. The film has reportedly grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing music biopic and biographical film of all time. This remarkable achievement places it above previous box office titans such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Oppenheimer,” while also marking it as Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film ever.
The narrative of “Michael” chronicles the King of Pop’s life from his formative years with the Jackson 5 up through his seminal “Bad” tour in 1988. A notable aspect of the film’s production involved the omission of storyline elements pertaining to the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. This decision was attributed to legal restrictions and the involvement of the Michael Jackson Estate in the production.
Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle has drawn praise from many, particularly for his accurate performance and dance moves. However, critical reception largely diverged from audience sentiment. Critics frequently described “Michael” as “sanitized,” “superficial,” and a “puff piece” for its perceived avoidance of controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, resulting in low Rotten Tomatoes scores ranging from 27-40%. In stark contrast, audiences responded with overwhelming positivity, awarding the film high user ratings of 96-97% on Rotten Tomatoes. This significant disparity highlights an ongoing debate about audience expectations from music biopics—whether they prioritize comprehensive historical accuracy or a more celebratory and immersive musical experience.
The film’s release has demonstrably reignited interest in Michael Jackson’s extensive music catalog. In the week following its debut, U.S. On-Demand Audio streams of his music surged by 143.6%. Looking to the future, Lionsgate is actively developing a sequel, “Michael 2,” with production anticipated to commence in late 2026 or early 2027. This follow-up is expected to delve into the more controversial latter half of Michael Jackson’s life and career. Meanwhile, Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, has expressed concerns regarding the film’s factual accuracy and is engaged in an ongoing legal battle concerning the management of her father’s estate.