Michael Jackson film becomes highest-earning biopic in history
Released in April, 'Michael' earned $217m globally in its opening week, overtaking 'Straight Outta Compton' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
The recently released "Michael" has overtaken "Oppenheimer" as the highest-grossing biopic of all time, earning $977m (£739m) worldwide.
The film had already become the highest-grossing musical biopic after surpassing 2018's "Bohemian Rhapsody".
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, "Michael" traces the late singer's rise from child star with the Jackson 5 to the King of Pop.
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His real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stars alongside Colman Domingo and Nia Long as his parents.
Released in April, "Michael" earned $217m globally in its opening week, overtaking "Straight Outta Compton" and "Bohemian Rhapsody".
It is also now Lionsgate Studios' highest-grossing film, surpassing "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire".
"Michael" surpassed "Oppenheimer" despite the latter benefiting from the viral "Barbenheimer" phenomenon in 2023, when audiences flocked to see both "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" after memes highlighted the contrast between the two films released on the same day.
"Michael" has been a major hit with fans for its portrayal of Jackson's childhood and recreations of his iconic performances and music videos.
Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, was widely praised for portraying his uncle.
Critics, however, called the film a "whitewash," saying it presents a "sanitised" version of Jackson's life by omitting the sexual abuse allegations after an NDA led to related footage being removed.
The Hollywood Reporter said it "delivers for lifelong fans who cherish the music," while The Telegraph said it "refuses to address the elephant in the room." The Independent called it a "ghoulish, soulless cash grab."
Despite the criticism, audiences rated the film much higher than critics on sites such as Rotten Tomatoes.
Backed by Michael Jackson's estate, the film features his original vocals. According to Variety, Lionsgate plans to release at least one more film about his life.
The film has also boosted streaming of Jackson's music. He was the most-streamed artist on YouTube in the UK over the past month, with twice as many plays as Drake.
"Billie Jean" is currently Spotify's most-streamed song worldwide, while "The Essential Michael Jackson" returned to No 1 on the UK albums chart, ahead of Kneecap.
