The 2026 Michael Jackson biopic Michael has grossed N123.2 million at the Nigerian box office within its first three days, showing strong local demand for the high-profile music drama.
The film opened with N111.6 million before climbing to a cumulative N123.2 million over the weekend of April 24–26, according to early box office data.
This signals strong audience demand even without being screened by Filmhouse Group, one of West Africa’s largest cinema exhibitors.
The performance mirrors a broader global surge, as the film delivered one of the biggest debuts ever recorded for a biographical title.
Global box office breakdown
Globally, Michael generated approximately $217 million during its opening weekend, including about $97.2 million from the domestic U.S. market and $121.6 million from international territories.
- Updated figures place its total slightly higher at $218.8 million, exceeding earlier estimates and cementing its position as the largest global opening for a music biopic.
- The film has also outpaced previous records in the genre, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody to claim the top spot for worldwide openings among music biopics.
- In North America, it beat expectations by nearly $30 million and overtook Oppenheimer’s $80 million debut (not adjusted for inflation) to secure the biggest domestic opening ever for a biographical film.
Reports further indicate that Michael recouped an estimated 110% of its $200 million production budget within 48 hours of release. The film ranks among the most expensive biopics ever made, partly due to extensive reshoots that reworked its final act.
About the Micheal Jackson biopic
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael chronicles the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, from his early years with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the peak of his solo career during the late 1980s. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew, in his debut role as the adult Michael, alongside Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of the star.
- The supporting cast includes Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, and Mike Myers. Production began after rights to Jackson’s life story were secured by producer Graham King in 2019, with Lionsgate officially announcing the project in 2022. Filming took place between January and May 2024, following delays linked to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
- Notably, the film underwent significant revisions after legal considerations prompted the removal of references to the 1993 child abuse allegations against Jackson. This led to a reworked third act and additional reshoots in mid-2025.
Despite its strong commercial performance, Michael has received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal has been widely praised, some reviewers have described the film’s narrative as overly sanitized.
The biopic premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, before rolling out internationally, including its U.S. debut on April 24. As of April 27, it ranks among the top six highest-grossing films of 2026, reinforcing its status as both a commercial heavyweight and a cultural talking point.
