'Michael' Approaches $800M Globally, Poised to Dethrone 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as Top-Grossing Music Biopic

The Michael Jackson biopic continues its remarkable run at the box office, tallying over $788 million globally as of this weekend's results.

The film pulled in $28.5 million from international markets during the latest weekend, bringing its overseas total to $468 million. Domestically, it has earned $319 million so far, per Variety.

A significant milestone looms as the film nears the $800 million threshold worldwide. However, the picture's Japan release on June 12 could prove decisive in its pursuit of a historic record. Should the film perform strongly in that market, it stands a genuine chance of surpassing 2018's "Bohemian Rhapsody," which finished its run at $911 million globally and remains the highest-grossing music biopic to date.

The film has already left other music biopics in its wake. It has substantially outpaced 2022's "Elvis," which accumulated over $288 million worldwide.

Since its April 24 theatrical debut, the film has been helmed by director Antoine Fuqua. The ensemble cast includes Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo.

The film chronicles Jackson's extraordinary life and artistic legacy, beginning with his emergence as the lead vocalist of the Jackson Five and tracing his evolution into a visionary solo artist driven by an ambition to dominate the entertainment world. It explores both his personal life and iconic performances from his early solo years, offering viewers an intimate perspective on Jackson's journey.

Following the blockbuster success of the first installment, a sequel is in development, with Lionsgate executives already providing glimpses into what audiences might expect from the follow-up. The original film concludes just as Jackson reaches the pinnacle of his career, leaving considerable ground for the sequel to cover in chronicling his continued artistic evolution.