The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' debuted with $97.2 million in North America and $218.8 million globally over its opening weekend. The Lionsgate release earned $25.4 million on Sunday, exceeding expectations by $400,000. It marks the second-largest global opening of 2026 so far.
'Michael' pulled in $97.2 million domestically, including a Sunday haul of $25.4 million that represented a 22% drop from Saturday's $32.4 million. Overseas markets contributed $121.6 million across 82 territories, surpassing an earlier Sunday estimate of $120.3 million from Universal. The film, produced and released by Lionsgate in North America, achieved the biggest opening ever for a musical biopic in comparable markets, even excluding previews and China, where it earned $4.8 million—slightly below 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' In 64 territories, it set records for the genre outside China. Globally, it ranks as the second-highest opening of 2026, trailing only 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' at $372.5 million. Industry sources project about $50 million for its second weekend domestically, a 49% decline. For comparison, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' from Graham King held better at 39% in its second frame, finishing with $216.4 million stateside off a $51 million debut.
