This post was originally published on this site.
Michael Jackson‘s legacy has reached another unprecedented milestone at the global box office.
Michael, the biographical drama starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, has officially surpassed $1 billion worldwide, becoming the first biopic in cinema history to reach the mark.
This is also Lionsgate’s first billion dollar theatrical release.
The Antoine Fuqua directed film has been rewriting the record books since opening in April. It first became the highest grossing music biopic ever by overtaking Bohemian Rhapsody, then passed Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer to become the highest grossing biopic of any kind. Crossing the $1 billion threshold pushes it into territory no biographical film has ever occupied.
The film has enjoyed remarkable staying power overseas and that’s a testament to Michael Jackson’s enduring worldwide popularity. Strong performances across Europe, Latin America and Asia, including a late boost from Japan, helped carry the movie over the historic benchmark after weeks of steady ticket sales.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in his feature film debut alongside Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller and Laura Harrier. Directed by Fuqua from a screenplay by John Logan, the movie chronicles Jackson’s rise to superstardom while concluding with the Bad era.
Lionsgate took a chance on the project after several major Hollywood studios reportedly passed because of concerns surrounding the controversy that has long followed Jackson’s legacy.
The studio partnered with Universal Pictures for international distribution, a move that ultimately paid off as the film posted massive numbers across Europe, Latin America and Asia in addition to its strong North American performance.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, audiences embraced the film throughout its theatrical run. Michael earned an A-minus CinemaScore and opened with the biggest worldwide debut ever for a music biopic, helping build momentum that carried it past the billion-dollar threshold.
The production itself was among the most ambitious music biopics ever mounted.
With a budget of $200 million, the film chronicles Jackson’s rise from child star with the Jackson 5 to global superstardom, concluding during the Bad era. That has yielded a sequel.
Lionsgate has already confirmed a sequel is in development. Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson recently said discussions are progressing well. He also revealed that roughly 25% to 30% of the follow-up has already been filmed using footage from the first movie.
The sequel is expected to explore the later chapters of Jackson’s career, including music and moments not covered in the original film.
The success of Michael has also reshaped Lionsgate’s fortunes. Lionsgate’s stock has climbed roughly 130% since last summer. The studio, which had struggled to generate theatrical hits in recent years, but seen renewed confidence since Michael.
Michael Jackson continues to demonstrate unmatched global drawing power.
