Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic has officially become the highest grossing biopic in film history, pulling in more than 977 million dollars worldwide and surpassing Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which had previously held the record at just under 976 million dollars.
The milestone comes during the film’s tenth week in theaters, a remarkably long run that has helped push its total steadily upward. With momentum still building, the film appears on track to eventually cross the billion dollar mark worldwide, a threshold reached by only a small number of films in any genre.
A record breaking run across genres
Earlier this year, the film had already surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest grossing music biopic specifically. Its latest milestone places it ahead of Oppenheimer, which had become a cultural phenomenon following its release and went on to win several major Academy Awards, including recognition for best picture and best director.
Released in April 2026, the film traces Michael Jackson’s path from his early years performing with his brothers as part of a beloved family group to his transformation into one of the most influential pop artists of all time.
Strong numbers despite mixed reception
Despite its commercial success, the film has faced substantial criticism since its release, with many reviewers and cultural commentators pointing to its decision not to engage meaningfully with some of the more difficult chapters of Jackson’s life, including allegations made against him before his death in 2009.
Reports have suggested that an earlier version of the film took a more direct approach to those allegations, but that representatives connected to Jackson’s estate intervened, leading to extensive reshoots aimed at producing a more streamlined and audience friendly final product. Critics have argued that the resulting film leans heavily into celebration rather than complexity, focusing primarily on Jackson’s musical achievements and iconic stage moments rather than offering a fuller picture of his life.
One widely circulated review described the film as functioning more as a tribute than a true biographical account, suggesting it was shaped more by commercial considerations than by a desire to present a complete or challenging portrait of its subject.
A sequel already in development
Despite the criticism, the film’s commercial performance has already paved the way for a follow up. A sequel is reportedly in early development, with a senior studio executive indicating that production could potentially begin later this year or in 2027.
When asked what storylines the sequel might explore, the executive pointed to Jackson’s celebrated 1993 Super Bowl halftime performance as one possible focal point. When pressed on whether the sequel would address the controversies surrounding Jackson more directly, the executive responded cautiously, acknowledging the complexity of the question and suggesting it was not yet clear whether that conversation belonged in the next installment or who should be the one to lead it.
A box office success story with an unresolved debate
As the film continues its theatrical run and edges closer to the billion dollar milestone, it remains a clear commercial success while also reigniting broader conversations about how biopics handle complicated public figures. Whether future installments choose to engage more directly with that complexity remains an open question, one that audiences and critics alike are likely to keep watching closely.