Overview
- Variety and other outlets reported Sunday that Michael has crossed the $1 billion mark with roughly $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million overseas, for a global total of about $1.001 billion.
- The film opened in April to a record musical‑biopic weekend and maintained steady ticket sales internationally, with later releases in territories such as Japan providing a decisive final boost.
- During production the filmmakers discovered a legal settlement clause that required removing depiction of at least one accuser, which led to third‑act revisions and reshoots in mid‑2025 and a higher final budget.
- Critics largely gave negative reviews while audiences rated the film highly and returned to theaters, a split that has driven renewed streaming and sales of Michael Jackson’s catalog.
- The milestone makes Michael Lionsgate’s highest‑grossing release and the studio’s first billion‑dollar film, and Lionsgate has confirmed that work toward a sequel is under way.