“Michael” has reached USD 788.04 million at the global box office, putting the Lionsgate release close to becoming the highest-grossing musical biopic ever.
The film added USD 28.5 million internationally over the latest weekend, according to Variety. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Queen biopic, holds the record for the highest worldwide gross of USD 911 million.
“Michael” stars Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, Michael Jackson. The film follows Jackson from his early years with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through his rise as a solo artist.
The film has not yet opened in Japan, a major international market. Its Japan release could help narrow the gap with “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The movie has drawn commercial success despite criticism over its omission of the abuse allegations that followed Jackson in later life. Jackson died in 2009 at age 50 after cardiac arrest linked to Propofol administered as a sleep aid.
Lionsgate is also preparing for a sequel. Film chief Adam Fogelson told Variety that the studio may already have 25% to 30% of a second movie from unused footage shot during the first production.
Fogelson said Lionsgate wanted to make another “big and satisfying movie” for global audiences. He also said the follow-up could cover parts of Jackson’s life and music catalogue not included in the first film.
