Jaafar Jackson in “Michael.”
Lionsgate/Glen Wilson
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, premieres on digital streaming this week as it aims to surpass the box office record held by the 2018 Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. That film currently holds the all-time music biopic box office record with $911 million worldwide and won four Academy Awards in 2019, including Best Actor for Rami Malek. Graham King, who produced Bohemian Rhapsody, also serves as a producer for Michael.
Released in theaters on April 24, the film will become available for purchase on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) starting Tuesday, June 9, through platforms such as Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and YouTube Movies & TV. The rental price is expected to be $19.99 for a 48-hour viewing window, with a purchase price of $24.99.
Michael chronicles the life of the iconic pop star, from his childhood as part of the Jackson 5 to his rise as the King of Pop. The biopic spans his career through the release of Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, concluding in 1988 as he embarked on his Bad world tour. The PG-13-rated film also features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine, and Miles Teller as his longtime manager, John Branca.
As of Thursday, Michael has grossed $346.6 million domestically and $514.1 million internationally, totaling $860.7 million worldwide. Despite signs of box office deceleration, the film has consistently ranked in the top five domestically during its first six weeks, including two weeks at No. 1. It earned $12 million over the May 29-31 weekend and an additional $6 million mid-week, bringing its weekly total to nearly $18 million.
The biopic’s potential to surpass Bohemian Rhapsody’s record hinges on its upcoming release in Japan, a market with significant Michael Jackson fandom. The 2009 documentary Michael Jackson’s This Is It earned $57 million there, and industry reports suggest Michael could claim the all-time global record after its July 12 Japanese debut.
Michael remains in theaters and will transition to PVOD on June 9.