The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has recorded a strong global box office debut, earning over N123m in Nigeria and breaking major records worldwide
The 2026 Michael Jackson biopic Michael has recorded a powerful global debut, earning N123.2 million in Nigerian cinemas within its first three days of release.
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The film, which opened in Nigeria between April 24 and 26, made N111.6 million on its opening day before reaching a total of N123.2 million, according to early box office reports.
Despite its strong performance, the movie was not screened by Filmhouse Group, one of West Africa’s largest cinema chains, making its earnings even more notable.
Globally, Michael delivered an even more impressive opening, grossing about $218.8 million worldwide
Of this figure, $97.2 million came from the United States, while $121.6 million was generated internationally.
The film has now set a new record as the biggest global opening for a music biopic, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody.
It also recorded the highest North American opening for a biographical film, overtaking Oppenheimer.
Industry reports suggest the production, which cost over $200 million, recovered its budget within 48 hours of release, making it one of the fastest break-even biopics in recent years.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film chronicles the life of Michael Jackson from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his global superstardom in the 1980s.
It stars Jaafar Jackson as the adult Michael Jackson, alongside Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of the music icon.
Other cast members include Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula and Mike Myers.
Production began after producer Graham King acquired the rights to Jackson’s life story in 2019, with filming completed in 2024 following delays caused by the Hollywood actors’ strike.
The film later underwent significant reshoots and revisions after legal concerns led to changes in how sensitive parts of Jackson’s life were portrayed.
Although Michael has enjoyed commercial success, it has received mixed critical reviews, with praise for performances but criticism over its handling of controversial aspects of Jackson’s history.
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The biopic premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, before its US release on April 24, and is currently ranked among the top-grossing films of the year.
