Overview
- Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, posted an opening estimated at about $97 million in the U.S. and $217.4 million worldwide, the strongest debut for a musical biopic to date.
- The film ends its story in 1988 during the Bad tour at Wembley, leaving out the next two decades that include the most disputed allegations and legal episodes.
- A 1994 confidentiality deal with the Chandler family barred any reference to the 1993 case, and reporting says the filmmakers cut roughly 30% of footage, delayed release about a year, and absorbed an estimated $40–50 million in re-edit costs.
- Audience response and critic scores diverged, with an A- from CinemaScore and about 38% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, as reviews describe a softened portrait that highlights music and downplays controversy.
- Jackson’s family remains split, with Prince and Bigi backing the movie and Paris Jackson disavowing it, and a 2026 lawsuit by members of the Cascio family keeps the broader disputes over his legacy active.