Lionsgate’s Groundbreaking Achievement

Lionsgate and Universal’s highly anticipated musical biopic, ‘Michael,’ has finally crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office. This remarkable achievement not only makes ‘Michael’ the second movie to reach this milestone in 2026, but it also marks a historic moment for Lionsgate, as it becomes the studio’s first title to ever cross $1 billion worldwide.

According to the latest box office figures, ‘Michael’ has grossed $371.8 million domestically and a staggering $629.8 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to over $1 billion. This incredible feat was always known to be a possibility, given the film’s massive popularity in Japan, a country that is particularly fond of Michael Jackson’s music.

The musical biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, has been a global phenomenon since its release. The film’s success can be attributed to its exceptional cast, including Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, and Colman Domingo, as well as its captivating storyline, which explores the life and career of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

The success of ‘Michael’ has not only marked a milestone for Lionsgate but has also broken several box office records. The film has become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, surpassing the previous record held by ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Additionally, it has outperformed ‘Oppenheimer,’ the highest-grossing biopic ever, in terms of worldwide box office gross.

Lionsgate’s previous highest-grossing film, ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,’ ended its global run with a total of $865.2 million. However, ‘Michael’ has not only surpassed this record but has also become a cultural phenomenon, resonating with audiences worldwide and transcending the screen to become a unique cultural phenomenon.

The film’s director, Antoine Fuqua, expressed his gratitude to the audiences who have embraced the film and made it a historic moment for the studio. ‘Michael’s success was driven by our phenomenal partnership with our remarkable filmmakers, Graham King and Antoine Fuqua, the incomparable cast led by Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long, and our successful collaboration with the Michael Jackson Estate,’ said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson.

Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, president of Universal Pictures International, also praised the film’s success, stating, ‘From its opening weekend to this historic milestone, ‘Michael’ resonated with moviegoers worldwide and transcended the screen to become a cultural phenomenon.’ The film’s success has been a testament to the enduring appeal of Michael Jackson’s music and the continued strength and vitality of the theatrical moviegoing experience.

Producer Graham King expressed his joy at seeing people from all over the world come together to experience the film and the joy it has brought to audiences everywhere. ‘It’s been truly heartwarming to see people from all walks of life come together to experience this film and the joy that it’s brought to audiences everywhere,’ he said.

The film’s success has been a result of the tireless dedication of the producers, cast, crew, and partners who came together to create this cinematic sensation. As Antoine Fuqua stated, ‘Reaching this extraordinary $1 billion milestone with ‘Michael’ is a deeply humbling moment that celebrates the tireless dedication of our incredible producers, cast, crew, and partners.’ The film’s success has been a testament to the enduring power of cinema to bring people together and create a shared cultural experience.

The success of ‘Michael’ has not only marked a milestone for Lionsgate but has also paved the way for future musical biopics. As the film continues to break box office records and captivate audiences worldwide, it is clear that the King of Pop’s legacy will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.