'Michael' Becomes Highest-Grossing Biopic Ever as Fans Turn Attention to Possible Sequel

By Stacy M. Brown

Senior Global Correspondent

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has become the highest-grossing biographical film in history, surpassing Oppenheimer after earning $977.4 million worldwide. As the film continues its remarkable theatrical run, many fans are already looking beyond the record-setting box office numbers and wondering whether Jackson's story will return to the big screen.

When attorney John Branca, co-executor of Jackson's estate, spoke recently with Black Press Media USA, he acknowledged that the idea of continuing the story had always been part of the long-term vision.

"It was always our hope to have the first biopic with a sequel," Branca told Black Press Media USA.

Branca emphasized that no sequel has been officially announced. Still, people familiar with the production say there is significant interest in another film, one that could explore Jackson's later years, including the Dangerous era, the 1993 Super Bowl halftime show, his marriages, the relentless media attention that surrounded him and the extraordinary pressures that came with being one of the world's most famous entertainers.

"But there is clearly more story to be told," a studio source added.

Attorney John Branca and Michael Jackson/Courtesy Jackson Estate

The latest box office milestone underscores the film's extraordinary commercial success. Michael had already surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing musical biopic. By overtaking Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, it now stands as the most successful biographical film ever released and is expected to become only the second movie released in 2026 to surpass the $1 billion mark worldwide.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role, Michael follows the entertainer's journey from his years with the Jackson 5 through his emergence as the King of Pop. Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson, while Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson.

“Graham King, Antoine Fuqua, John Logan, Jaafar Jackson, Miles Teller, Coleman Domingo, Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, and the entire cast and crew did an incredible job. It’s not just another music film,” Branca said. “This is the first time this story could be told. Not everyone else’s story, whether real or made up. Michael’s story.”

While critics offered sharply divided opinions about the film, audiences have embraced it, praising both its musical performances and Jaafar Jackson's portrayal of his late uncle. Many moviegoers have described theater screenings as resembling live concerts, with audiences singing, clapping, and dancing along to Jackson's catalog.

Jeffrey Jacobs said the film captured many of the defining moments of Jackson's career.

"The recreations of the Victory Tour, BAD, and Pepsi commercial alone were awe-inspiring, and Jaafar might be the first time someone is playing Michael that doesn't come across as an imitation. A must-see for fans, I understand the critics' takes on it and they aren't wrong per se but I just left feeling like I immediately wanted to watch it again."

Brendan Mack said the experience exceeded even his high expectations.

"This movie was more like a concert!!! Jaafar really embodied his uncle and it was an absolute MASTERPIECE!!!! I left with my jaw dropping because I have no words to express how much fun and joy this movie brought to me."

Jennifer Guillaume told the New York Times that audiences around her eagerly sang along with many of Jackson's biggest hits.

She recalled repeatedly reminding her mother, "Mom, this is not a concert."

Guillaume also appreciated the film's portrayal of Jackson beyond his celebrity.

"He was a superstar, but he was just like us," she said. "He was a human being. He loved."

Before leaving the theater, she had already decided she would return.

"I'm going to see it again."

Should Lionsgate move ahead with another installment, filmmakers would have no shortage of material. The first film concludes before many defining chapters of Jackson's adult life, leaving unexplored his record-breaking Dangerous World Tour, the landmark Super Bowl halftime performance, his humanitarian efforts, fatherhood, and the later years of a career that remained under constant global scrutiny.

For now, Branca has made clear that no sequel has been confirmed. Even so, the unprecedented success of Michael has fueled expectations that audiences may not have seen the final chapter of Jackson's story on the big screen.