'Michael' becomes first biopic to cross USD 1 billion at global box office

Los Angeles: The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has become the first biographical film in history to surpass USD 1 billion at the global box office, marking a major milestone for the film industry.

According to Variety, the film has earned USD 629.8 million in international markets and USD 371.8 million in North America, taking its worldwide total to USD 1.001 billion.

Released in April, Michael enjoyed a record-breaking opening weekend, collecting USD 97 million domestically and USD 217 million worldwide. The film overtook Straight Outta Compton (2015) to register the biggest opening weekend for a musical biopic.

The success of Michael has also made it the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned USD 911 million globally.

The achievement is equally significant for Lionsgate, with *Michael* becoming the studio's highest-grossing film ever and its first release to cross the USD 1 billion mark.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film traces the life of music legend Michael Jackson, charting his rise from his early years with the Jackson 5 to becoming the globally celebrated "King of Pop".

Jaafar Jackson, the late singer's nephew, portrays Michael Jackson in his feature film debut. The cast also includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson.

The project was developed with the support of several members of the Jackson family years after the singer's death in 2009 at the age of 50.

According to the film's official synopsis, Michael presents an "honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated" artist. The story concludes in 1988, focusing on Jackson's rise to international superstardom and does not cover the allegations that surfaced later in his life.