Full Breakdown
Lionsgate Revives Fortunes with Michael Jackson Biopic and New Franchises
7/12/2026, 8:24:13 PM
Core Event: “Michael” Hits $1 Billion Global Box Office
Lionsgate’s controversial Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” surpassed the $1 billion mark worldwide, according to film-data service Rentrak. The studio acquired the $150 million project after larger studios declined, citing the singer’s longstanding child-molestation allegations as a risk factor. The film’s success marks Lionsgate’s first ever billion-dollar box-office title.
Background & Context: Years of Decline
Once the last major independent movie company, Lionsgate entered 2024 with a weak slate of 17 releases that generated only $251 million in domestic ticket sales—an 85 percent drop from its 2012 peak of $1.72 billion, when franchises such as *Katniss Everdeen*, *Twilight*, *Madea* and *The Expendables* drove revenue. Shares fell to $5.76, the lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered theaters. Wall Street and Hollywood analysts widely predicted that a sale to a larger studio was the only viable path forward.
Data & Statistics: Recent Box-Office Wins
- “Michael” – $150 million production budget; >$1 billion global gross.
- “The Housemaid” – $35 million production budget; $400.5 million worldwide gross.
- 2024 domestic ticket sales: $251 million (versus $1.72 billion in 2012).
These figures illustrate a rapid reversal from a multi-year slump to two high-earning theatrical franchises in a single year.
Future Pipeline: Expanding Franchise Slate
Buoyed by the recent successes, Lionsgate is preparing sequels to both “Michael” and “The Housemaid.” The studio also plans a *Hunger Games* sequel for November, a *Rambo* prequel, two additional *John Wick* installments, *Now You See Me 4*, and two follow-ups to *The Passion of the Christ*. Partnerships include horror producer Jason Blum for a reimagined *Blair Witch Project* and filmmaker James Wan to revive the *Saw* series.
What’s Next
Lionsgate’s upcoming releases are slated throughout 2026 and beyond, positioning the company to sustain its renewed momentum and compete with larger studios that previously dominated blockbuster territory.
