Ticket Frenzy Builds for “Michael” Ahead of Premiere and Global Release

By Stacy M. Brown Senior Global Correspondent

Massive ticket presales for “Michael,” the highly anticipated film directed by Antoine Fuqua, are surging at a pace that has already pushed industry projections to an $80 million to $90 million domestic opening, placing the film on track for one of the biggest debuts of the year.

Box Office Pro reports the film is “absolutely killing it” in presales, with audiences locking in tickets weeks before its April 24 release in the United States. The early demand signals that the drawing power of Michael Jackson remains unmatched, decades after he first captivated audiences around the world.

The Black Press was invited to a private screening of the film in New York this week, and what unfolds on screen delivers a sweeping portrayal expected to resonate across Jackson’s global fan base. This reporter believes the performances delivered by both Colman Domingo, who perfectly portrays Joseph Jackson, and Jaafar Jackson, who has the lead role portraying his famous uncle, are Oscar-worthy and will dominate conversation as audiences experience the film.

Michael Jackson’s career began in childhood as the standout voice of the Jackson Five, where he commanded global attention before reaching his teenage years. That early success carried into his solo breakthrough with Off the Wall in 1979, a project that delivered multiple hit records and established him as a dominant force in popular music. He followed with Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, a release that changed the direction of the music industry through its sound, its cinematic music videos, and its global reach.

The same audience that filled arenas and stadiums across continents is now driving ticket sales for the film that will likely exceed $1 billion in gross ticket sales. The momentum will only intensify when the film opens first in Berlin on April 10. The German capital has long been one of the strongest centers of Jackson’s international fan base, with generations of fans who continue to celebrate his music and legacy. The early Berlin premiere is already drawing heightened attention across Europe, with organized fan events and travel tied to opening night.

The global rollout continues April 24, positioning the film to build on early international reaction before reaching U.S. audiences. Analysts point to Jackson’s worldwide appeal as a key factor in the film’s outlook, with expectations that international markets could significantly expand overall box office totals. The cast includes Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke. The screenplay was written by John Logan, with production led by Graham King alongside estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain. Prince Jackson, the King of Pop’s oldest son, serves as an executive producer.

The film traces Jackson’s rise from a child star in the Jackson Five to a global icon whose performances and recordings reshaped pop culture. It also presents moments away from the spotlight, offering a closer look at his life beyond the stage while recreating key performances from his early solo years. The early ticket surge, combined with a Berlin-first launch and a global fan base that has remained engaged for decades, positions “Michael” to potentially become not just the biggest biopic but the best-selling movie in history.