The Michael Jackson biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Lionsgate, is currently in development and has not yet been released, meaning it does not hold the title of highest-grossing biopic of all time. While anticipation for the film remains high, the current box-office record for a musical biopic is held by Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned over $900 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo.
Status of the Michael Jackson Biopic
Lionsgate has scheduled the release of Michael for October 3, 2025. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, in the titular role. According to Variety, the production team includes Graham King, who previously produced the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. Because the film is still in the production phase, no commercial performance data exists to support claims regarding its status as a record-breaking financial success.
Defining the Highest-Grossing Biopics
Industry tracking services like The Numbers categorize box-office performance based on verified ticket sales. Currently, the top-earning biopics of all time include:
- Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): $910 million worldwide.
- Oppenheimer (2023): $975 million worldwide (classified as a biographical drama).
- Straight Outta Compton (2015): $201 million worldwide.
While Oppenheimer technically exceeds the total gross of Bohemian Rhapsody, industry analysts often distinguish between musical biopics and historical dramas when evaluating genre-specific records.
Why Box Office Projections Differ from Reality
Marketing campaigns often generate significant "hype" ahead of a film’s premiere, which can lead to social media speculation regarding a movie’s potential financial performance. However, box-office totals are only finalized after a film completes its theatrical run. As noted by Deadline, the success of Michael will depend on international distribution, critical reception, and its performance during the competitive autumn release window in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Michael Jackson movie be released?
Lionsgate has set an official theatrical release date of October 3, 2025.
Who is directing the film?
Antoine Fuqua, known for his work on Training Day and The Equalizer, is directing the project.
Is Michael already the highest-grossing biopic?
No. The film has not been released, and therefore has not generated any box-office revenue.