The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has stormed the global box office, delivering one of the biggest opening weekends of 2026 and setting new records along the way. The film, which tells the story of the pop icon, pulled in a massive $97 million across the United States and Canada, while its global total hit an impressive $217.4 million. Out of that, $120.4 million came from 82 international markets, showcasing its strong worldwide appeal.
Domestic and International Success
In North America alone, approximately 6.3 million people attended the movie during its opening weekend, according to EntTelligence. This figure significantly outpaced the debut of 'Project Hail Mary,' which recorded 4.9 million admissions. The film's performance remained robust throughout the weekend. On Saturday, it generated $32.5 million in the US, a slight dip from Friday's $39.5 million, which included previews. Notably, when previews are excluded, Saturday's earnings actually jumped 21% above Friday's core revenue, indicating sustained demand.
IMAX and Premium Screenings
Premium screenings played a crucial role in the film's success. IMAX alone contributed $24.4 million globally, marking the biggest IMAX opening ever for a musical biopic. In North America, IMAX accounted for $13.8 million from 427 screens, representing about 14% of total domestic earnings. The film is projected to cross the $100 million mark in the US, solidifying its position as the biggest live-action opening of the year, ahead of 'Project Hail Mary's $80.5 million debut.
Production Challenges and Budget
Despite its box office triumph, the journey to the big screen was fraught with challenges. The production faced controversies linked to the Jackson estate and the portrayal of certain characters. At one point, an additional 20 days of filming were required, with the estate reportedly covering around $50 million in extra costs. This pushed the total budget to approximately $200 million. Nevertheless, confidence remained high among the filmmakers. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson stated, 'We had an incredibly powerful subject matter and the right filmmaking, distribution, and marketing team to pull it off, and we knew we were going to make it happen.'
Audience Reception and Marketing
Audiences have embraced the film enthusiastically. Reports from cinemas indicate viewers dancing in their seats, with many families using the movie to introduce younger fans to Michael Jackson's music. The marketing campaign was a key driver of success, blending traditional ads with interactive experiences. Initiatives such as 'Don't Walk, Moonwalk' flash mobs in over 20 cities generated more than 23 million views. Additionally, HBCU marching band tributes, hologram dance displays in cinemas, and pop-up exhibitions celebrating Jackson's life contributed to the buzz. The film's trailer became the most viewed in Lionsgate's history, amassing over 116 million views in 24 hours. Across TikTok and X, promotional content garnered more than 564 million views.
Box Office Impact and Competition
The success of 'Michael' has also bolstered the overall box office. The total domestic weekend haul is estimated at $154.3 million, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date box office earnings have reached $2.6 billion, marking a 17% rise. In terms of competition, 'Michael' dominated the weekend. 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' brought in $21.2 million in its fourth week, while 'Project Hail Mary' added $13.2 million in its sixth. 'Michael' is not just a hit; it is shaping up to be one of the defining box office moments of the year.
