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Jackson Biopic Smashes $97M Opening, Lionsgate's Biggest Debut

4/27/2026

40 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson biopic opened with a $97 million domestic debut, the biggest opening for a U.S. biopic.
It earned $120.4 million in 84 overseas markets, setting new benchmarks in 63 territories, and reached $217.4 million worldwide, giving Lionsgate its best post-pandemic debut.
Graham King and Lionsgate spent tens of millions to rework the third act and remove references to the star’s child-abuse allegations.

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Story summary

Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson biopic opened with a $97 million domestic debut, the biggest opening for a U.S. biopic.
It earned $120.4 million in 84 overseas markets, setting new benchmarks in 63 territories, and reached $217.4 million worldwide, giving Lionsgate its best post-pandemic debut.
Graham King and Lionsgate spent tens of millions to rework the third act and remove references to the star’s child-abuse allegations.