Michael crosses $1 billion after 12 weekends in theatres, a first for Lionsgate

Michael has crossed $1 billion worldwide after 12 weekends in theatres, becoming Lionsgate's first film to reach the mark. The milestone also makes it the studio's biggest title and delivers career-best totals for Antoine Fuqua and Graham King.

In Short

• Michael crosses $1 billion worldwide box office, first for Lionsgate
• Second 2026 film after Super Mario Galaxy to join billion-dollar club
• Highest-grossing Lionsgate film, beating Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Michael has crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office, becoming the first Lionsgate film to achieve the milestone. The musical biopic reached the feat after 12 weekends in theatres, making it only the second film of 2026 to join the billion-dollar club after Super Mario Galaxy.

The film has now become the highest-grossing title in Lionsgate's history, surpassing the studio's previous record-holder, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which concluded its theatrical run with $865.2 million globally.

So far, Michael has earned $371.8 million domestically and $629.8 million from international markets. Its release in Japan, considered one of Michael Jackson's strongest overseas markets, helped push the film past the $1 billion milestone. Distributed there by Kino, the film has collected $35.75 million to date. It also continues to generate revenue in Russia.

The box office success has also set several career milestones for the film's creative team. Producer Graham King has surpassed the worldwide earnings of Bohemian Rhapsody ($911 million), making 'Michael' his highest-grossing musical biopic and biggest production overall. The film has also overtaken Oppenheimer ($975.8 million) to become the highest-grossing biopic worldwide.

Director Antoine Fuqua reacts to the milestone

For director Antoine Fuqua, Michael is now his highest-grossing film, comfortably exceeding the $203 million worldwide total of King Arthur. Screenwriter John Logan has also secured the second-biggest hit of his career after the James Bond film Skyfall, which grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide.

Reacting to the milestone, Fuqua said, "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. This achievement belongs to everyone who came together with a shared vision to honor one of the greatest artists the world has ever known."

He added, "I am profoundly grateful to the audiences around the globe 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 enduring power of cinema to bring us together, and it is a chapter in movie history I will never forget."

Michael stars Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut, portraying his uncle, the late Michael Jackson. The cast also includes Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, Laura Harrier, Mike Myers, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. The film is directed by Fuqua, written by Logan, and produced by Graham King, John Branca and John McClain.

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