Michael (2026): The Biopic That Divided Critics and Conquered the Box Office

"Sorry media, u don't get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was." – Taj Jackson

Overview

The biographical film Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, opened in theaters globally on April 24, 2026, earning a record $97 million domestically and $217.4 million worldwide in its opening weekend. The film covers Jackson's career from his childhood in Gary, Indiana, through his 1988 Bad tour. It does not address child sexual abuse allegations made against the singer. The production underwent significant reshoots after legal restrictions prevented the dramatization of one accuser.

Box Office Performance

The film debuted at No. 1 in North America, grossing $97 million from 3,900 theaters. This set a new record for musical biopic openings, surpassing Straight Outta Compton ($60.2 million) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($51 million). Internationally, the film earned $120.4 million from 82 markets, for a global total of $217.4 million. The opening weekend is the second-biggest debut of 2025 in North America, after The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131 million).

"The portion of Michael's life that this story tells couldn't have gotten into those allegations because the allegations themselves hadn't happened in the period this movie existed." – Lionsgate Chair Adam Fogelson

Key international figures include:

• France: $2.6 million (largest opening day for a biopic)
• UK & Ireland: $2.6 million (largest opening day for a musical biopic)
• Australia: $7.98 million (record for a musical biopic)
• Spain, Italy, Germany: All recorded their largest opening days for a musical biopic

As of its fourth weekend, the film had accumulated $280 million domestically and $703 million globally. It has yet to open in Japan, where release is scheduled for June.

Production and Creative Decisions

The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer's nephew, as Michael Jackson. Colman Domingo and Nia Long portray Joe and Katherine Jackson. The supporting cast includes Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy. Janet Jackson does not appear in the film.

The production budget is reported at approximately $200 million, with initial costs of $155 million. The film was co-financed by Lionsgate, Universal Pictures (which holds international distribution rights), and the Michael Jackson estate. Universal handles international distribution except in Japan, where Kino Films is responsible.

The Legal Controversy

The original script included scenes depicting the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, including a flashforward sequence showing police at Neverland Ranch. Lawyers for the Jackson estate identified a clause in Jackson's 1994 settlement with accuser Jordan Chandler that prohibits any depiction or mention of Chandler in a film. This required the removal of all related scenes and the development of a new third act.

"That was a tough period." – Director Antoine Fuqua on the legal restrictions

The cast participated in 22 days of additional photography in June 2025 to film the revised ending. The reshoots added an estimated $10-50 million to the budget, which the Jackson estate covered due to the legal oversight. The film's release was delayed from April 2025 to April 2026.

The Revised Narrative

The revised narrative focuses on Jackson's relationship with his father Joe Jackson, his recovery from severe scalp burns sustained during a 1984 Pepsi commercial shoot (and subsequent painkiller use), and his career peak during the Bad tour. Director Antoine Fuqua stated the goal was to humanize Jackson and portray his early life. An epilogue card reads: "His story continues."

Approximately 30% of the removed footage could be used for potential sequels. Lionsgate has confirmed development of at least one additional film covering Jackson's later years.

Critical and Audience Reception

Critics

• Rotten Tomatoes: 38-40% critics' score (based on 94+ reviews)
• Critics described the film as "sanitized" (The Hollywood Reporter), "disconnected from reality" (Screen International), "feature-length publicity" (The Wrap), and "a filmed playlist in search of a story" (RogerEbert.com)
• The BBC gave one star, calling it "a bland and barely competent daytime TV movie"

Audiences

• CinemaScore: A-
• Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 97%
• Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter: 97%
• PostTrak exit polls: 85% definite recommend
• Audience demographics: 38% Black, 26% Latino, 26% White; 45-50% aged 18-34, 44-48% aged 35+

Background on Allegations

Michael Jackson faced allegations of child sexual abuse beginning in 1993. Key legal events include:

• 1993: Jordan Chandler accused Jackson of abuse. Jackson settled the civil case out of court in 1994 for a reported $20-25 million, maintaining his innocence. The settlement includes a non-disparagement clause prohibiting depiction of Chandler in films.
• 2003-2005: Jackson was charged with child molestation involving Gavin Arvizo. He was acquitted on all counts in 2005.
• 2019: The documentary Leaving Neverland featured allegations by Wade Robson and James Safechuck. HBO removed the film from its platform in 2024 following a legal settlement with the Jackson estate.
• Post-2009: Multiple lawsuits have been filed, including a 2024 lawsuit by four siblings from the Cascio family and a 2026 lawsuit by another family.

The Jackson estate has denied all allegations, stating in response to recent lawsuits that they are "a desperate money grab." The estate states it maintains Jackson's innocence, citing the 2005 acquittal.

Statements from Involved Parties

Director Antoine Fuqua: Stated that the legal restriction on depicting Chandler "definitely did for a while, because we had to rethink everything. That was a tough period." He expressed interest in directing a sequel: "It would kill me if somebody else did it."

Producer Graham King: Expressed nervousness about the premiere, describing production challenges that included the legal discovery requiring script changes.

Lionsgate Chair Adam Fogelson: Stated the audience "spoke loud and clear" and that "the portion of Michael's life that this story tells couldn't have gotten into those allegations because the allegations themselves hadn't happened in the period this movie existed."

Paris Jackson (Michael Jackson's daughter): Criticized the film as "fantasy land" and "not real," stating she provided notes on script inaccuracies that were not addressed. She is involved in a lawsuit against estate executors over film spending.

Taj Jackson (Michael Jackson's nephew): Posted on social media: "Sorry media, u don't get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves."

Dan Reed (director of Leaving Neverland): Criticized the film as a "travesty of the truth," stating it portrays Jackson as "a very talented performer who was rather nice to children." He is developing a third installment of Leaving Neverland documenting ongoing legal efforts by accusers.

James Safechuck (accuser): Released a video message stating that promotion of the biopic can be triggering for abuse survivors. He is a plaintiff in a civil suit against Jackson's corporate entities, with a trial date expected in 2027.

Financial Context

At Jackson's death in 2009, his estate faced over $450-500 million in debt. The posthumous documentary This Is It earned $265-270 million globally. Since 2009, the estate has generated over $3.5 billion through asset sales and commercial ventures, including:

• Sale of Neverland ranch: $22 million (2020)
• Sale of ATV catalog: $750 million (2016)
• Sale of half of Jackson's music rights to Sony: $600 million (2024)

The estate is a co-investor in Michael, receiving an estimated $10 million upfront plus 25% of profits, which could total over $40 million. Current estate earnings are estimated at over $100 million annually from ventures including a Cirque du Soleil show and the Broadway musical MJ, which has grossed over $300 million.

For a theatrical release to be profitable, the film requires over $500 million globally. Lionsgate expects downstream revenue to support a potential sequel if the film exceeds $700 million worldwide. As of its fourth weekend, the film is on track to challenge Bohemian Rhapsody's $911 million global record for music biopics.