Michael Biopic Breaks Box Office Records

The wildly successful biopic about Michael Jackson has brought in $911.9 million worldwide, surpassing the previous record holder, Freddie Mercury's biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. The film's director, Antoine Fuqua, has helmed this epic tale of Michael's career, from his early years with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to his iconic Bad tour in 1988.

Lionsgate confirmed the numbers, revealing that the biopic has made $358 million at the domestic box office and another $553 million internationally. This is a staggering achievement, especially considering that some critics have panned the film due to its handling of Michael's later years and the child sexual abuse allegations against him.

The film's success has also triggered a surge of interest in Michael's back catalog. His music has seen a significant uptick in streams, with Thriller rising to number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and solo work registering a career-best 137.5 million official on-demand streams in the United States.

This has been an enormous victory for the Jackson estate, which pushed forward with the film despite a troubled production. The filmmakers were legally barred from portraying the child abuse allegations brought against Michael by accuser Jordan Chandler, leading to a reshoot of the third act and a nearly year-long delay in the film's release.

With its record-breaking numbers and increased interest in Michael's music, the biopic has cemented its place in the hearts of fans worldwide. It's a testament to Michael's enduring legacy and a reminder of the impact he had on the music industry.

Some have credited the surge in interest in Michael's music to his estate's efforts to promote the film, while others have pointed to the film's more nuanced portrayal of Michael's career and controversies.