Michael Jackson ‘Returns’ to big screen as new biopic breaks box office records

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

It is nearly two decades since the death of Michael Jackson, the legendary American entertainer revered worldwide as the King of Pop, yet his influence remains as powerful as ever.

Now, a new biographical film based on his life and career is set to take over cinemas across the world, reigniting interest in the man whose music transformed popular culture.

After years of anticipation, production delays and extensive reshoots, Michael has finally made its global debut, emerging as one of the most talked-about film releases of the year.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, best known for Training Day, the ambitious project was produced on a reported budget of $200 million and backed by Lionsgate in partnership with award-winning producer Graham King, whose credits include Bohemian Rhapsody.

The film has opened strongly at the box office, earning $12.6 million from North American preview screenings alone.

Industry analysts are projecting a worldwide opening weekend between $140 million and $160 million, figures that would place it above Straight Outta Compton as the biggest debut ever for a musical biopic.

Its success has not been limited to the United States. In international markets such as Nigeria and Brazil, the film is already recording impressive figures, once again underlining Michael Jackson’s unmatched global appeal nearly 17 years after his passing in 2009.

At the centre of the production is Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s 29-year-old nephew, who makes his feature film debut in the lead role.

Early audiences have praised his striking resemblance to his uncle, as well as the energy and emotional depth of his performance.

Many viewers at premiere screenings described the portrayal as both convincing and captivating, with some calling it one of the most surprising breakout performances of the year.

However, the film has also sparked debate among critics and longtime observers of Jackson’s life.

One major criticism surrounds the timeline of the story, which concludes in 1987 during Jackson’s celebrated Bad era.

As a result, the final decades of his life, including the controversies that surrounded him and the circumstances before his death, are left unexplored.

Reports indicate the original script tackled those later chapters more directly, but legal and production complications allegedly led to significant rewrites and reshoots before release.

Some critics have argued that the finished product presents an overly polished version of Jackson’s life, while others maintain that the film was intended primarily as a tribute to his artistry and cultural impact rather than a definitive biography.

Audience reactions, however, have been far warmer, highlighting a clear divide between reviewers and cinema-goers.

The production has also generated mixed feelings within the Jackson family.

While La Toya Jackson has publicly endorsed the film, Janet Jackson reportedly declined involvement.

Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, also distanced herself from the project in social media comments, expressing disappointment over creative decisions.

Despite the controversy, producers are said to be considering a sequel, with Jaafar Jackson expected to reprise the role should the project move forward.

Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere, the actor hinted that more chapters of the story remain untold.

“You can’t fit everything into one film,” he said. “This is only the beginning.”