Story perspectives

‘Michael’ Tops Music Biopics, $912 M Gross, Streams Surge

6/15/2026

Summary

Lionsgate Breaks Records

Lionsgate says “Michael” is now the highest-grossing music biopic with $911.9 million worldwide.
The film opened with $218.8 million globally and $97.2 million domestically, breaking music-biopic records.
Streaming of Michael Jackson’s catalog rose 95%, adding 5 million Spotify listeners to 73 million and 14 songs to the global chart.
Sony Music, which paid about $750 million for a 50% stake, benefits from the surge as settlement blocks Jordan Chandler from a sequel that is 25-30% shot.

Summary

Jackson Avoids Controversy

Critics say the film refuses to address historic child-sexual-abuse allegations.
Reviewers praised Jaafar Jackson’s musical performance but condemned the omission of those controversies.
Estate cooperation gave catalog access, yet legal issues with Jordan Chandler removed any reference to him.
Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson said a sequel could focus on music, with filming possible this year or 2027.

History

Historical Context

When Warner Bros. released *The Bodyguard* in November 1992, Whitney Houston’s debut film role paired with an Arista-issued soundtrack that sold over 45 million copies worldwide and won the Grammy for Album of the Year. The film’s commercial model—linking blockbuster movies with hit music—has since reappeared, exemplified by the 2024 Michael Jackson biopic that again leverages star-driven soundtracks for box-office and streaming revenue.

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Lionsgate Breaks Records

Lionsgate says “Michael” is now the highest-grossing music biopic with $911.9 million worldwide.
The film opened with $218.8 million globally and $97.2 million domestically, breaking music-biopic records.
Streaming of Michael Jackson’s catalog rose 95%, adding 5 million Spotify listeners to 73 million and 14 songs to the global chart.
Sony Music, which paid about $750 million for a 50% stake, benefits from the surge as settlement blocks Jordan Chandler from a sequel that is 25-30% shot.

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