Story perspectives

Jackson Biopic “Michael” Nets $217 M After $200 M Gamble

4/27/2026

Summary

Fuqua’s Record Opening

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” opened to $97 million, the biggest opening for any biopic.
The Jackson estate funded $50 million in reshoots that removed Jordan Chandler references, pushed production costs to $200 million, and caused Fuqua to turn down other projects.
The film grossed $217.4 million, received 38% on Rotten Tomatoes versus 97% audience scores, prompting Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson to say the audience response justified the high-budget gamble.

Summary

Fuqua Humanizes Michael

Producer Graham King invited director Antoine Fuqua to helm “Michael” before Fuqua read the script.
Fuqua said he will humanize Michael by highlighting his eccentricities, insecurities and the father-son dynamic with Joe Jackson.
Jaafar Jackson secured the lead after an unscripted interview impressed the crew, moving cinematographer Dion Bebe to tears.
Intensive dance rehearsals left Jackson’s feet bleeding, showing his commitment to replicate Michael’s performance style.

History

Historical Context

When 20th Century Fox released the Queen biopic *Bohemian Rhapsody* on 24 October 2018, the film became the sixth-highest-grossing movie of the year and won four Academy Awards, proving that costly music dramas could succeed. This success revived studio willingness to fund large-budget biopics, a shift echoed in later projects such as the planned 2024 Michael Jackson film.

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Fuqua’s Record Opening

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” opened to $97 million, the biggest opening for any biopic.
The Jackson estate funded $50 million in reshoots that removed Jordan Chandler references, pushed production costs to $200 million, and caused Fuqua to turn down other projects.
The film grossed $217.4 million, received 38% on Rotten Tomatoes versus 97% audience scores, prompting Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson to say the audience response justified the high-budget gamble.

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