The 'Michael' Syndrome: A New Legend in Music Biopics Hits Global Theaters
- Junhwi Lee
- May 2
- 2 min read
May 2, 2026
Junhwi Lee
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael, which was released overseas on April 24, has achieved significant box office success. During its opening weekend, the film earned approximately $97 million in North America and $217 million worldwide, reaching the number one position in 65 countries. According to industry reports, the film surpassed the opening weekend records of other major music and biographical films, including Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer. It currently ranks among the highest-grossing film openings of the year and has received a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes' Popcornmeter.
One of the most discussed aspects of the film is its lead actor, Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson. Interest in the project grew rapidly following the release of its trailer last November, which reportedly received more than 116 million views within 24 hours. Director Antoine Fuqua praised Jaafar Jackson's performance, highlighting the similarities between his portrayal and the late singer. Audience reactions have also been largely positive, with many viewers praising his singing, dancing, and overall performance.
Alongside the film's release, Sony Music Korea released the companion album Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture on April 24. The album contains 13 songs featured in the movie, including well-known tracks such as “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” In addition, a new music video for “Human Nature” was released on YouTube as part of the promotional campaign.
Promotional events for the film have been held in several international cities, including Los Angeles and Paris. While South Korea was not included in the global pop-up event schedule, local audiences are preparing for the film's domestic theatrical release on May 13. Industry observers will be watching closely to see whether the film can maintain its strong momentum in the Korean market.
