*When Lionsgate entrusted Antoine Fuqua with bringing Michael Jackson’s life story to the big screen, the studio was betting on a filmmaker whose career had uniquely prepared him for the challenge.
That gamble has paid off in historic fashion.
As of this posting, “Michael” has generated $911.9 million worldwide, surpassing “Bohemian Rhapsody” to become the highest-grossing music biopic ever released. The film delivered the biggest global opening weekend in the genre’s history, broke box-office records in 65 international markets, and is now approaching another milestone as one of Lionsgate’s most successful theatrical releases.
Michael Breaks a Long-Standing Record
The achievement is significant not only because of the size of the box-office haul but because of the film it surpassed.
For nearly eight years, “Bohemian Rhapsody” held the title of the highest-grossing music biopic ever made after earning more than $910 million worldwide during its theatrical run. Many industry observers viewed the record as difficult to top given Queen’s global popularity, the enduring appeal of Freddie Mercury and the film’s awards-season momentum.
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“Michael” has now edged past that mark while continuing to add to its worldwide total. For Lionsgate, the film’s success marks one of the biggest victories in the studio’s history.
For Fuqua, the record represents the culmination of decades spent blending music, storytelling and visual innovation.
From Music Videos to Hollywood Success
Long before directing blockbuster films, Fuqua was helping shape the visual language of popular music.
During the 1990s, he directed music videos for artists including Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton and Coolio, developing a style that combined cinematic storytelling with the rhythm and emotion of music.
That experience became the foundation for a successful transition into feature films.
Fuqua earned widespread acclaim with 2001’s “Training Day,” which won Denzel Washington the Academy Award for Best Actor. He later directed the commercially successful “Equalizer” trilogy, while films such as “Southpaw” and “Emancipation” showcased his range beyond action-driven stories.
His background made him one of the few directors capable of handling the scale and cultural significance of a Michael Jackson biopic.
Why Fuqua Was the Right Choice
Fuqua’s connection to Jackson extended beyond professional admiration. Having launched his career directing music videos, he understood firsthand the artist’s impact on visual storytelling.
According to Fuqua, Jackson once called him unexpectedly after hearing he might direct one of his music videos.
“The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are a deep part of who I am,” Fuqua said when he joined the project in 2023, EW reported. “For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson.”
Producer Graham King believed Fuqua was uniquely qualified to tell Jackson’s story.
King said Fuqua’s films consistently offer personal perspectives on larger-than-life figures while remaining emotionally grounded.
The Challenge of Casting Jaafar Jackson
To help create authenticity, Fuqua cast Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role.
Unlike most music biopics, “Michael” faced the challenge of portraying a global superstar whose legacy remains intensely scrutinized.
The decision carried risk, as audiences expected a convincing portrayal of one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers.
The role marked Jaafar Jackson’s feature-film debut, and many viewers praised his ability to recreate his uncle’s stage presence, vocal mannerisms and signature movements while bringing emotional depth to the role.
Production also included filming at the Jackson family compound in Encino and recreating costumes, performances and iconic moments from throughout the singer’s career.
For Fuqua, the project was deeply personal.
In promotional materials released by Lionsgate, he described the experience as both a spiritual journey and a full-circle moment in his career.
“Michael was a big influence on my career as a director,” Fuqua said. “Seeing how he refused to get put in a box as just a Black artist only.”
What’s Next for Fuqua
A sequel is already in development, extending the story’s momentum.
Fuqua remains one of Hollywood’s busiest directors. Next up is “Hannibal,” which reunites him with Denzel Washington.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to “Michael.”
After decades of directing music videos, acclaimed dramas and blockbuster action films, Fuqua has added another achievement to his résumé: delivering the most successful music biopic in cinematic history.
By turning the life of the King of Pop into the biggest music biopic ever made, Fuqua has accomplished something few directors ever do: He transformed a career-long passion into a record-breaking cultural event.
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