Michael Opens to Record-Breaking $217 Million Amidst Controversy Over Omitted Allegations
The biographical film Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson estate, opened in theaters globally over the weekend of April 24-26, 2026.
The film earned an estimated $97 million in North America and $120 million internationally, for a combined global debut of approximately $217 million.
This performance set records for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a musical biopic, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody ($124 million globally) and Straight Outta Compton ($60.2 million domestically). However, the film's release was accompanied by significant controversy and scrutiny regarding its omission of child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson.
Production and Narrative Changes
Script Revisions and Legal Restrictions
The film's original script included material related to the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations brought by Jordan Chandler. According to reports, an early version of the script began with a 1993 flash-forward scene depicting police raiding Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
This material was removed after lawyers for the Jackson estate identified a clause in Jackson's 1994 out-of-court settlement with Chandler that prohibited the depiction or mention of Chandler in any film.
Reshoots and Budget
The discovery of this legal restriction necessitated a complete rework of the film's third act. The cast reconvened for 22 days of additional photography in June 2025. Reports indicate the reshoots cost between $10 million and $50 million, with the Jackson estate covering these expenses due to its oversight regarding the settlement clause. The estate reportedly now holds an equity stake in the film as a result. The film's total production budget is estimated to be near $200 million.
Revised Narrative Focus
The released version of Michael concludes with Jackson at the peak of his career during his "Bad" world tour in 1988, before any allegations of abuse were made public. An epilogue card states "His story continues."
The film's narrative focuses on Jackson's early life, his career with the Jackson 5, his rise to solo stardom, his relationship with his father Joe Jackson, and his recovery from severe scalp burns sustained during a 1984 Pepsi commercial. The film does not include any depiction of or reference to child sexual abuse allegations.
Cast and Production Details
Key Cast Members:
- Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson's nephew) as adult Michael Jackson
- Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael Jackson
- Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson
- Nia Long as Katherine Jackson
- Miles Teller as John Branca, estate lawyer
- Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe
Production Team:
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Screenwriter: John Logan
- Producers: Graham King and GK Films
- Distributors: Lionsgate (North America), Universal Pictures (international), Kino Films (Japan)
- Support: Co-produced with the Michael Jackson estate
Critical and Audience Reception
Critical Response
The film received largely negative reviews from critics. As of its opening weekend, Michael held a critics' score of approximately 38% on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 90 reviews. Many critics described the film as "sanitized," with some characterizing it as "damage control" or a "whitewash" that avoids the complexities and controversies of Jackson's life. The Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus is pending.
Audience Response
Despite critical reviews, audience reception was notably positive.
The film received an A- grade on CinemaScore. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score was reported at 97%.
Exit polls from PostTrak indicated an 85% "definite recommend" rate. Audience demographics were reported as 38% Black, 26% Latino, and 26% White, with a relatively even split between those aged 18-34 (45-50%) and those 35 and older (44-48%).
Statements from the Production
- Director Antoine Fuqua stated his goal was to "humanize Michael" and portray his eccentricities, insecurities, and musical impact. Regarding the omitted allegations, Fuqua noted the legal restrictions forced a rethinking of the film and said the revised ending allows the film to "plant seeds" for a sequel.
- Lionsgate Chair Adam Fogelson attributed the film's performance to "massive engagement with every conceivable audience segment" and stated that "the audience spoke loud and clear." He confirmed a sequel is in development and said a third film is "not inconceivable."
Box Office Performance
Domestic Performance
- Opening weekend: $97 million from 3,900+ theaters (including $12.6 million in previews)
- Second-biggest debut of 2025, behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131 million)
- Record for a musical biopic, surpassing Straight Outta Compton ($60.2 million)
- IMAX contributed $13.8 million domestically
International Performance
- International opening weekend: $120.4 million from 82 markets
- Record for highest-grossing opening for a musical biopic in 64 territories
- Notable market performances: France ($2.6 million opening day), UK/Ireland ($2.6 million opening day), Australia ($7.98 million opening weekend, a record for a musical biopic), China ($4.8 million opening)
- Japan release scheduled for June
Global Total and Projections
- Global opening weekend: $217 million
- Industry projections estimate the film could reach between $500 million and $700 million worldwide
- Bohemian Rhapsody remains the highest-grossing music biopic at $910 million globally
Context of Omitted Allegations
The Jordan Chandler Case (1993)
- Jordan Chandler alleged in 1993 that Jackson had sexually abused him.
- Law enforcement photographed Jackson's genitals, and Chandler provided a drawing. Authorities stated the drawing matched the photographs.
- Jackson settled the civil case with Chandler out of court in 1994 for a reported $20-25 million, maintaining his innocence.
- The settlement included a clause barring the depiction or mention of Chandler in any film, which necessitated the film's script changes.
Other Allegations and Legal Proceedings
- 2005 Criminal Trial: Jackson was acquitted of all charges related to allegations made by Gavin Arvizo.
- Wade Robson and James Safechuck: These individuals alleged abuse in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Their civil lawsuit against Jackson's corporate entities was revived by a California appeals court in 2023, with a trial expected in 2025 or 2027.
- Cascio Family Lawsuit (February 2026): Four siblings filed a lawsuit alleging abuse. The Jackson estate called the lawsuit a "desperate money grab."
- Dan Reed, director of Leaving Neverland, criticized the biopic for omitting the allegations and stated he plans to release a third installment ("Leaving Neverland 3") documenting the legal efforts of Robson and Safechuck.
Statements from Family Members
- Paris Jackson (Michael Jackson's daughter) criticized the film on Instagram, calling it "fantasy land" and "not real." She stated she read an early script draft, provided notes regarding inaccuracies, and disengaged from the project when her feedback was not addressed.
- Janet Jackson was not involved in the film and did not attend the Berlin premiere. She does not appear as a character in the movie.
- Taj Jackson (Michael Jackson's nephew) criticized media coverage of the film, stating on social media that the public would "decide for themselves" about Jackson's legacy.
Planned Sequels
Lionsgate confirmed that a sequel is in development. Director Antoine Fuqua expressed interest in directing the sequel, stating it "would kill me if somebody else did it."
Approximately 30% of the material removed from Michael could potentially be repurposed for future sequels, with Fuqua confirming footage up to 1995 has been shot. The sequels would likely cover the later part of Jackson's career, including the period of the allegations and his death in 2009.