Story perspectives

‘Michael’ Biopic Smashes $217 M Debut, Nears $1 B

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The biopic “Michael”, directed by Antoine Fuqua, opened with $217 million worldwide, the biggest biopic debut.
It topped “Oppenheimer” ($180 million) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($124 million) and is nearing $1 billion in global earnings.
Jaafar Jackson earned acclaim for his realistic lead performance, with vocal coach Stephanie Spruill training the cast on authentic vocals.
Critics said the movie omits child-abuse allegations and family issues and lacks a coherent story arc beyond concert recreations.

History

Historical Context

Warner Bros. released Michael Mann’s *Ali* on Dec 25 2001; the film opened with $14.7 million, earned $87.7 million worldwide and earned Academy Award nominations for Will Smith and Jon Voight in 2002. Its costly $105 million budget showed studios could profit from costly music biopics, prompting a new wave and strategic shift that includes Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming *Michael*.

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Story summary

The biopic “Michael”, directed by Antoine Fuqua, opened with $217 million worldwide, the biggest biopic debut.
It topped “Oppenheimer” ($180 million) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($124 million) and is nearing $1 billion in global earnings.
Jaafar Jackson earned acclaim for his realistic lead performance, with vocal coach Stephanie Spruill training the cast on authentic vocals.
Critics said the movie omits child-abuse allegations and family issues and lacks a coherent story arc beyond concert recreations.

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