Lionsgate and Universal's movie "Michael" has finally reached $1 billion in total earnings after being in theaters for 12 weekends.This makes it the second film of 2026 to hit that mark, following Universal, Illumination, and Nintendo's "Super Mario Galaxy." It's also the first movie ever for Lionsgate to reach this milestone.
The previous highest-grossing film from Lionsgate was "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" from 2013, which made $865.2 million worldwide."Michael" has now surpassed that.
Breaking down the numbers, the film has earned $371.8 million in the U.S.
and $629.8 million overseas.It was expected that Japan would be the key market to push the total over the $1 billion mark.Japan, through Kino, has made $35.75 million so far.Russia also helped the film's success.Graham King, who produced the movie, previously held the record for the highest-grossing musical biopic with "Bohemian Rhapsody" at $911 million worldwide."Michael" has now beaten that and also surpassed "Oppenheimer" to become the highest-grossing biopic ever at $975.8 million worldwide.
"Michael" is Graham King's highest-grossing film as a producer, surpassing "Bohemian Rhapsody." It's also Antoine Fuqua's highest-grossing film, beating his previous work "King Arthur" which made $203 million worldwide.
The film is written by John Logan, whose highest-grossing script is "Skyfall" which made $1.1 billion worldwide.
Adam Fogelson, the chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement, "Michael's success was driven by our partnership with filmmakers Graham King and Antoine Fuqua, the amazing cast including Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long, and our collaboration with the Michael Jackson Estate.
Audiences have embraced the film from the beginning, turning it into a unique cultural phenomenon worldwide.Their passion shows the lasting appeal of one of the greatest recording artists of all time, and it highlights the strength of the theatrical moviegoing experience."
Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, president of Universal Pictures International, said, "From its opening weekend to this historic milestone, Michael resonated with moviegoers worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon.
It has been a privilege to bring this groundbreaking film to international audiences, and we are grateful to Graham King, Antoine Fuqua, and Jaafar Jackson for delivering a cinematic sensation that proves, decades after his stardom, Michael Jackson remains a global superstar like no other."
Producer Graham King said, "It's been heartwarming to see people from all over the world, young and old, from all walks of life come together to experience this film and the joy it has brought to audiences everywhere."
Director Antoine Fuqua said, "Reaching this $1 billion milestone with Michael is a deeply humbling moment that celebrates the dedication of our producers, cast, crew, and partners.
This achievement belongs to everyone who came together with a shared vision to honor one of the greatest artists the world has ever known.I am profoundly grateful to the audiences who embraced this film, showed up in theaters, and connected with this story across generations and cultures.This historic milestone is a testament to the power of cinema to bring us together, and it is a chapter in movie history I will never forget."
The film stars Jaafar Jackson in his first feature film role as Michael Jackson's uncle.
It also stars Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, Laura Harrier, and Mike Myers, with supporting roles from Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by John Logan, and produced by Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain.
