Michael biopic box office earnings hit N123.2m in Nigeria as the film sets new global records after release

The 2026 Michael biopic has recorded a powerful start in Nigerian cinemas, earning N123.2 million within its first three days of release.

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Early box office figures showed that the film generated N111.6 million on its opening day before climbing to N123.2 million between April 24 and 26.

The strong performance came despite the movie not being screened by Filmhouse Group, one of West Africa’s largest cinema chains.

Globally, the Michael biopic box office performance also shattered expectations. The film reportedly earned about $218.8 million worldwide during its opening weekend, including $97.2 million from the United States and $121.6 million from international markets.

The film has now become the biggest global opening ever for a music biopic, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody. In North America, it also recorded the largest opening for a biographical film, overtaking Oppenheimer.

Industry reports indicated that the movie recovered more than its estimated $200 million production cost within 48 hours of release, making it one of the most commercially explosive film debuts of 2026.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film traces the life of Michael Jackson from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global pop icon in the 1980s.

The movie stars Jaafar Jackson as the adult Michael Jackson, while Juliano Krue Valdi portrays the younger version of the singer.

Other cast members include Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula and Mike Myers.

Production on the film began after producer Graham King secured the rights to Michael Jackson’s life story in 2019. Filming eventually took place between January and May 2024 following delays linked to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

The project later underwent major revisions after legal concerns prompted the removal of references to the 1993 child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson, resulting in extensive reshoots and a rewritten final act in 2025.

Although the film has enjoyed impressive commercial success, critics have delivered mixed reactions. While many praised Jaafar Jackson’s striking performance, others argued that the movie avoided some of the more controversial chapters of Michael Jackson’s life.

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The biopic premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, before opening in the United States on April 24. It is currently ranked among the six highest-grossing films of 2026.