Michael Biopic Tops $1 Billion as Cast Reflects on Legacy

The global success of Michael has cemented the late Michael Jackson’s enduring commercial and cultural influence, with the Lionsgate production becoming the first biographical film in history to surpass $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film has earned approximately $372 million in North America and $629 million internationally, overtaking Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest grossing musical biopic ever. The milestone also marks Lionsgate’s biggest theatrical release to date.

Now available on DVD, Blu ray, and 4K Ultra HD, the film continues to attract audiences worldwide, highlighting the lasting global demand for stories centered on one of music’s most influential entertainers.

While audiences embraced Michael, critics offered mixed reviews. Many praised the performances, particularly those of Jaafar Jackson and young actor Juliano Valdi, but some argued the film avoided the controversies that shaped parts of Michael Jackson’s public life. The close involvement of the Michael Jackson Estate also sparked debate over whether the production presented a softened portrayal of the superstar.

Despite those discussions, the film’s commercial success has underscored the enduring power of the Jackson brand and its ability to attract global audiences decades after the singer’s passing.

Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, delivers his first feature film performance in the title role. Although known previously as a musician, he revealed that acting was never part of his original career ambitions.

“I grew up wanting to be a golfer before moving into music,” Jaafar said during a press conference. “I loved writing songs, playing piano, and producing music. Acting only came into my life because some friends convinced me to join a drama class.”

His path to portraying his famous uncle began unexpectedly after producer Graham King secured the rights to make the film.

Jaafar explained that King initially contacted him after seeing a performance online, believing he could contribute vocals during post production. During a lunch meeting, however, the producer became interested in Jaafar’s natural resemblance and mannerisms rather than simply his voice.

After months of discussions and acting lessons, Jaafar accepted what he described as the role of a lifetime.

Preparing to portray one of the world’s most recognizable performers required years of research.

Rather than relying solely on family memories, Jaafar immersed himself in Michael Jackson’s life by reading biographies, revisiting every album from The Jackson 5 era through the superstar’s solo career, studying interviews, and speaking with relatives to better understand the artist’s personality beyond public performances.

He also researched the legendary entertainers who inspired Michael, including Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr., and James Brown.

Jaafar emphasized that his goal was never imitation.

Instead, he wanted audiences to experience the emotion behind every movement, performance, and song.

That dedication extended to an intense rehearsal schedule. He practiced dance routines daily, often repeating performances dozens of times until they became instinctive.

Among the film’s musical recreations, the iconic 1983 Motown 25 performance of “Billie Jean” proved the most demanding.

Jaafar said he rehearsed the routine repeatedly over several years, striving to match every movement while preserving the emotional impact that made the original performance historic.

His vocals were also blended with Michael Jackson’s original recordings to create an authentic cinematic experience.

Young actor Juliano Valdi, who portrays Michael during his childhood and Jackson 5 years, also earned widespread praise.

Already a devoted Michael Jackson fan before joining the production, Juliano said portraying a global icon at such a young age was both inspiring and emotionally challenging.

The actor explained that understanding Michael’s childhood required portraying the sacrifices the future superstar made while balancing fame and family responsibilities from an early age.

Academy Award nominated actor Colman Domingo portrayed Joseph Jackson, the controversial patriarch of the Jackson family.

Rather than presenting Joseph solely as an abusive father, Domingo sought to explore the complexities of a man shaped by his generation, economic hardship, and belief that discipline represented love and responsibility.

Drawing from his own upbringing, Domingo said he approached the character with empathy while acknowledging the difficult dynamics that existed within the Jackson household.

Nia Long, who portrayed Katherine Jackson, described the family matriarch as the emotional foundation of both the household and Michael’s life.

Long recalled meeting Michael Jackson years earlier and later sharing an emotional conversation with Katherine Jackson after filming concluded.

She described Katherine as the “Queen Mother,” crediting her quiet strength with helping create one of music’s greatest legacies.

According to Long, Katherine’s influence demonstrated that leadership does not always require loud authority, but often emerges through resilience, grace, and unwavering support.

Although debate surrounding Michael continues, the film’s record breaking performance reinforces the commercial value of legacy driven storytelling in global entertainment.

For studios and investors, the production demonstrates that iconic brands with multi generational appeal remain powerful drivers of theatrical revenue.

Looking ahead, fans can expect the story to continue.

Colman Domingo confirmed that a second Michael film is already in development, with producers exploring another chapter in the superstar’s extraordinary life.

While details remain under wraps, the sequel is expected to focus on a specific period of Michael Jackson’s career, extending the cinematic journey of one of entertainment’s most influential figures.